Manchester United’s Pogba ambitions hinge on unwanted playmaker

With Manchester United set to bid for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, any deal for the 23-year-old could hinge on Spanish playmaker Juan Mata's willingness to leave Old Trafford.

United have made it clear that Paul Pogba is their number one remaining target this summer after signing Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, but should Mata not want to leave, the deal could become somewhat difficult.

[fncvideo id=239067]

Coach Jose Mourinho has sold Mata in the past, six months after the tactician rejoined Chelsea in 2013, and he is willing to part ways with him once again in order to sign Pogba, according to the Sun.

Manchester United were the side who bought Mata for around €44 million, with the Spain international being David Moyes' first major signing as head coach.

Moyes was then succeeded by Louis van Gaal, but Mourinho's arrival at Old Trafford has raised some alarms for the 28-year-old Mata. Nevertheless, the midfielder was a key player for United last season, as he featured in all 38 Premier League games, scoring six goals and assisting a further five.

However, Mata did not do enough to earn himself a place in Vicente Del Bosque's 23-man squad for Euro 2016, and has reported for pre-season training at United's Carrington training base.

While United want to include Mata as part of the deal to sign Pogba, there could be competition for his signature from elsewhere as Villarreal have entered the race, with Everton also believed to be interested.

Meanwhile, United appear to now have a clear run at Pogba as Real Madrid have pulled out of the race with the price deemed too high.

United have already signed two Mino Raiola clients in Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and a third in Pogba could be on his way if Mata opts to leave Old Trafford.