Reports from Italy suggest that Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is close to a move to Juventus from next season.

The 18-year-old is out of contract at Old Trafford at the end of the season and while recent comments from the player have raised hopes of a new deal with United, it now appears that a move to Serie A side is looking more likely.

Pogba is unhappy at a lack of first-team football at Old Trafford. The Frenchman made his Premier League debut when he came on as a substitute in United’s game with Stoke at the end of last month; prior to that his first-team experience had been limited to appearances in the Carling Cup although he is believed to be ready to start in the Europa League game with Ajax on Thursday.

Reports from Italy today suggest that a scheme whereby Pogba would move to AC Milan but would immediately go out on loan to Genoa has been rejected by the player. Pogba reportedly wants to play for a club challenging for honours rather than a mid-table side, despite the quality of Serie A. This has left the way clear to a move to Juventus whose offer of a place in their squad alongside Marchiso, Pirlo and Vidal appeals to Pogba.

Juventus lie in second place in Serie A, level on points with AC Milan and look set for a return to the Champions League next season. Should Pogba move to the Turin side they will be liable only to pay a nominal compensation fee of around £400,000.