Viera: City Made a Mistake by Not Signing Manchester United Midfielder

Manchester City elite development manager Patrick Viera believes that the club make a "mistake" last summer by failing to convince Paul Pogba to make the short move from Old Trafford to the Eithad.

Pogba left Manchester United in the summer of 2012 after running down his contract because of a lack of first team action. He was linked with several major European clubs but eventually decided to join Juventus and enjoyed great success in his first season.

The powerful central midfielder made 38 appearances in all competitions and played an integral role in Juventus comfortably winning the Serie A title.

The Italian club are keen to tie the Frenchman down to a new long term contract but there has once again been speculation that a number of English clubs are hoping to tempt him into a return to the Premier League.

Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City have all been mentioned as suitors but it seems Manuel Pellegrini's side could have already had the midfielder on their books if they would have listened to Viera.

"He is a player I really like," Viera told French newspaper L'Equipe. "I saw him play for Manchester United and to not have signed him when he left that club was a mistake because he is an extraordinary player.

"Many tell me that [he plays like I do]. I think he is more attacking than me and perhaps more technically skilled."

Pogba never really had a chance to demonstrate his quality while playing for Manchester United but has become one of most important players for Antonio Conte as Juventus look to win another league title and go a long way in the Champions League.

The 20-year-old has already scored five goals for Juventus this season and is under contract until the summer of 2016 but it likely to be handed vastly improved terms in the coming months.