Paul Pogba to Manchester United: Jose Mourinho makes Juventus star his priority summer transfer target

France international Paul Pogba was with the Red Devils and had made his way into their first team. However, lack of playing opportunities saw him leave Old Trafford as a free agent and join Juventus in 2012.

Pogba went on to establish himself as one of the best midfielders in the continent and his form has seen him attract interest from United and City, along with other clubs. According to the Independent, Pep Guardiola has decided against making an approach for the Serie A star.

United allowed Louis van Gaal to leave the club after he guided them to the FA Cup triumph. He was replaced by former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho and the Portuguese tactician has made the Juventus player a priority signing in the summer transfer window.

Mourinho tried to sign Pogba when he was at Chelsea last year, but the deal did not take shape as he continued with his current employers. The Frenchman prefers a move to the La Liga, with both Barcelona and Real Madrid interested in signing him.

The Catalan club's lack of funds will only mean they have to sell one of their star players to land Pogba. Having Mourinho at Old Trafford will help United pip the Spanish capital club in signing Pogba.

Juventus value their prized asset at €100m (£78.1m, $113.2m). United remain hopeful that they can convince their former player to return to the Premier League. Pogba revealed the Red Devils' legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson came to his place to convince him to stay and has no regrets of leaving the 20-time English champions.

"He's a coach I respect a lot. But he's a human. I'm someone who says what he thinks. Whether it's Ferguson or [President Barack] Obama, I'll tell him. Ferguson came to my place. We talked. It did make me think. He wanted to keep me, but I'd made my decision to leave," Pogba told ESPN.

United have already completed their first signing as defender Eric Bailly joined the Red Devils from Villarreal. Mourinho is now looking to strengthen his side's midfield and has turned his attention towards Pogba.