Manchester United are looking at midfield options in the transfer market as Paul Pogba’s future at Old Trafford is uncertain with six months left on his contract. 

Pogba, who is four weeks away from returning from a thigh injury, is understood to be undecided himself on where his future lies beyond the end of the campaign, when he will be a free agent if an extension is not agreed. 

United are in the early stages of assessing potential midfielder arrivals in the event of the £89million signing leaving without a fee. 

They are likely to continue with the “cultural reboot” under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer where they targeted international-class players but moved away from marquee signings like when they broke the Premier League transfer record for Pogba.  

Pogba, 28, has given his peak years to United during a time when he won the World Cup with France. There were talks just after the summer break over extending but there has been no agreement and the potential to stay remains on the table if talks are resurrected.

United’s record signing has been sidelined since picking up his injury during last month’s international break. He has approximately a month left before his expected return under a new manager Ralf Rangnick.  

Rangnick last week insisted he would not be trying to persuade Pogba to stay if his heart is set on leaving. “If a player doesn’t want to play for a club like Manchester United, even in the long term, I don’t think it makes sense to convince him to change his mind,” said the German coach. 

It remains to be seen if Rangnick plays Pogba in his preferred central-midfield role. Solskjaer found room for him on the left and also deployed him as a defensive midfielder.  He can speak to other clubs next month about a pre-contract. 

Mee set for new deal at Burnley

Burnley are in talks with Ben Mee over extending his contract at Turf Moor. 

The Clarets captain, 32, has the rest of the season on his current deal with an option of a further year but the club want him committed long-term and for him to continue leading Sean Dyche’s team. 

He has played regularly in the Premier League for seven of the last eight seasons and would be expected to attract interest if on the market, but Burnley hope to keep him at the club.

James Tarkowski, though, is out of contract in six months and can talk to clubs next month about a free transfer. But Burnley are determined to keep him for the whole season rather than cash in during the window. 

Trippier is Howe’s No 1 January target

Newcastle United have remained in the relegation zone following the club’s Saudi Arabian takeover but they are pushing ahead with attempts to land England full-back Kieran Trippier in January. 

Trippier is Eddie Howe’s No 1 target for next month and there is an expectation of the personal terms of a deal being straightforward when a fee is agreed with Atletico Madrid. 

The 31-year-old, who played for Howe at Burnley, is seen as a player who can add an attacking dimension from wing-back and will be dangerous with set-pieces.