Juventus reveal Paul Pogba 'gentleman's agreement' with Manchester United

Juventus CEO Maurizio Arrivabene has downplayed reports the Italian giants have held talks over Paul Pogba as he gears up to depart Manchester United on a free transfer for the second time. A decade on from his initial departure, Pogba is heading into the final weeks of his Old Trafford contract.

It was Juventus who won the race for his signature in 2012 - and the World Cup winner spent four years there after progressing through the United ranks. Winning the Serie A crown in each of his four seasons there first time around, Pogba has failed to replicate that form on a consistent basis during his second act in the Premier League.

Returning to Old Trafford for a staggering £89million in 2016, that first campaign back resulted in a League Cup and Europa League double under Jose Mourinho - and United are still to win a trophy of any description since then with Erik ten Hag preparing to step into the breach as their next permanent manager.

READ MORE: More than 10 players could leave Manchester United as Ten Hag contacts squad

As the clock ticks down on Pogba's United career, reports suggested Juventus directors have met Rafaela Pimenta, who is one of the representatives for him. However, according to Arrivabene, that sit down was over other players under the bracket left by late super agent Mino Raiola.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, he said: "Let's just make one thing clear. Pogba is a Manchester United player. We must show respect for him and his squad. Having said that, Pogba's agents are also the same ones who represent [Moise] Kean and Luca Pellegrini, so it's only normal we should meet with them.

"The subject of the meeting was not Pogba. If we wanted to talk to Pogba, we would need to speak to Manchester United. It's a