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Barcelona transfer news: Odds plummet on Paul Pogba deal after Man Utd star meeting
BARCELONA are favourites to sign Paul Pogba from Manchester United after the player reportedly met with director Eric Abidal.
Paul Pogba needs to use his brain more, says Scholes
Pogba is on holiday in the United States and reports have emerged that he held a meeting with Barcelona official Abidal.
The get together - as reportedly by Italian newspaper Tuttosport - supposedly happened in a private villa in Beverly Hills.
And bookmakers Paddy Power have swiftly acted on the revelation.
They have slashed Pogba’s price of joining Barcelona from 16/1 to 9/2 after a number of high-stake bets.
Pogba won the World Cup with France this summer and is not expected to report back to United training until later this month.
Paul Pogba 'meets' Barcelona director Eric Abidal in Los Angelshttps://t.co/ecszlP8yZV #MUFC #Barca
— Express Sport (@DExpress_Sport) August 1, 2018
His relationship with manager Jose Mourinho has fractured over the past 12 months following a mixed campaign in the Premier League.
However, the likelihood of Pogba being sold to Barcelona before August 9 - the Premier League transfer deadline - appears remote.
United can sell outside of that deadline, with Spain’s transfer window stretching until August 31 this year.
But selling a star player without the ability to sign a replacement would be foolhardy of United’s account.
So unless they have a man lined up, any deal with Barcelona would likely be delayed.
Spokesman Paddy Power said: “The man with the greatest initials in world sport could be in line for another jaw-dropping transfer, judging by the betting activity we’re seeing.
“His return to United was much feted, but it’s been more Pog-doom-and-gloom than Pog-boom.”