Manchester City ‘plot STUNNING move for Paul Pogba’ as Pep Guardiola searches for midfield reinforcements… but Premier League champions face one key stumbling block to secure the former United star’s services

Manchester City have identified Paul Pogba as a potential midfield signing amid the club’s dismal form, but could be averted as the player faces a major issue with a move to the Etihad, according to reports.

Pep Guardiola is keen to bring in reinforcements in January to solve City’s current crisis, which has seen City win just one of their last 10 games in all competitions and lose seven of those games.

Pogba could provide a ready-made and over-the-counter solution to Guardiola’s current serious concerns, but the player has reservations about joining the reigning Premier League champions, as reported by The independent.

The 31-year-old will be able to play again in March after his initial four-year doping ban was reduced to just eight months, but the player is concerned about his return to Manchester after his previous experiences with United.

Pogba previously had two separate spells at Old Trafford, the second of which ended in sour circumstances before his departure at the end of the 2021/22 season.

Pep Guardiola (left) could try to bring Pogba to City as the club look for a way out of their current dismal form

Pogba has reservations about a return to the Premier League, having failed to fulfill the potential that previously saw United break the bank for his signature

United earned a club-record £89million for the box-to-box midfielder in 2016, having previously signed him to Juventus on a free transfer as a youngster during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign.

On his return to Manchester he played a crucial role in helping the club win the Europa League and Carabao Cup, but disagreements with former manager Jose Mourinho and Untied supporters spoiled his stay.

Should he come to City, the Frenchman will be back in familiar territory, but his relationship with United supporters will fall apart.

Pogba is keen to avoid such a situation and has reservations about a return to the Premier League, having failed to fulfill the potential that United previously broke the bank for his signature.

The ex-Juventus star is keen to return to the highest level of European football, but currently prefers a move to Serie A, LaLiga or the Bundesliga.

However, City could look to convince Pogba with a hefty pay package and the chance to challenge for top honors on a consistent basis – something he struggled to do at United.

Guardiola is looking for players he believes can make an immediate impact on his side’s Premier League and Champions League ambitions, which are already in danger of disappearing.

A season-ending injury to Rodri has had a hugely destabilizing impact on City’s season and Guardiola has failed to find the right solution with Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic in midfield.

Pogba previously helped United win the Europa League and Carabao Cup, but his relationship with former boss Jose Mourinho (left) eventually deteriorated

Pogba has scored 39 goals and registered 48 assists in 233 Man United appearances

Pogba has scored 39 goals and registered 48 assists in 233 Man United appearances, but his lack of defensive contribution has often been a frustration for the club supporters and coaching staff around him.

Meanwhile, Pogba could also be nervous about a move to City given the club’s current legal situation, which saw the Premier League’s case against them concluded last week.

City have maintained their innocence throughout the trial, but if they are found guilty of the most serious charges leveled against them they could be relegated from the Premier League.

Such a punishment would likely see the majority of the club’s best first-team players leave during the summer transfer window.