MANCHESTER UNITED were incredibly offered PSG superstar Neymar in a swap deal for Paul Pogba, according to reports.
The Ligue 1 champions approached the Old Trafford club with the intention of offloading the Brazilian but were told United would not agree to a transfer for two reasons, say the Independent.
First, it is claimed executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward believes the cost of the deal would be too high for the £198million Brazilian, despite United’s substantial coffers.
Neymar makes a jaw-dropping £900,000 a week, nearly double United’s best paid player – Alexis Sanchez on £505,000 a week.
On top of that, the Red Devils also want to keep hold of Pogba, whose stats in nine key categories last Premier League season were the best at the club.
The French World Cup winner, 26, is still the most well known face at Old Trafford too, and crucial for the club’s marketability the world over.
The Independent add that the deal has “little chance” of happening, and former club Barcelona are still seen as Neymar’s likeliest destination summer.
Neymar, 27, has reportedly informed PSG he does not want to play for them ever again – with club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi vowing to eliminate “celebrity behaviour” at the Parc des Princes.
And in a WhatsApp group with Nou Camp players told them: “Don’t worry, I am coming.”
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Other reports claim that could result in a swap deal with former Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho, who has struggled since making his move to Spain.
Woodward wants to keep Pogba but SunSport’s exclusive poll revealed the majority of fans are happy to see him leave.
The player himself has said he is ready to exit and open to a new challenge, which could be in Juventus or Real Madrid – despite their former president warning he would be a “risky and dangerous” signing.