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LONDON. — Manchester United have had an £85m bid for Paul Pogba rejected by Juventus, according to Sky in Italy.

Manchester United on Tuesday made an opening bid of £85 million for Pogba which could spark the biggest transfer in football history.

United had the offer turned down on Tuesday but have reportedly been told by the Italian champions that a world-record transfer fee in excess of £100m for the France midfielder would be accepted.

It is understood Juventus have now accepted Pogba wants to leave the club, although the cost of the deal has already priced Real Madrid out of the market.

United’s initial offer was made during a meeting between their executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, and Juventus general manager and CEO Giuseppe Marotta.

Pogba remains on holiday and will not return to Turin until August 6.

New United boss Jose Mourinho recently spoke of four priority targets in the transfer window and midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s capture marked their third acquisition following the arrivals of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and centre-back Eric Bailly.

Pogba left Old Trafford on a free transfer in 2012 but the 23-year-old could be set to return this summer, with negotiations over a deal understood to have begun earlier this month.

United have been tracking the France and Juventus midfielder for several months and are prepared to break the bank to sign him. Juve were expected to reject the first bid even though United executive vice chairman Ed Woodward has already agreed personal terms with Pogba.

The 23-year-old has been offered a long-term deal worth £280 000-a-week that would make him one of the highest paid stars in European football.

United officials are expected to meet Juve directors and Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola this week in a bid to thrash out a deal.

The Italian champions want Pogba to tell them he wants to leave before agreeing to a sale and will then demand up to £100m for their prize asset. — Sky Sports.