Juventus is reportedly demanding €10 million more to Manchester United's €120 million bid for Paul Pogba as the Italian Serie A champions are keen on extracting the "best possible financial deal" if they are going to let go of their star midfielder.
The Guardian reported that United had already submitted an improved €110 million plus €10 million in add-ons for the 23-year-old France international, which would shatter the current world transfer record of €100.8 million set in 2013 when Real Madrid bought Welshman Gareth Bale from Tottenham Hotspur, but the Old Lady wants more.
Apparently, the five-straight Scudetto winners wants an "additional €10 million" to the €120 million proposal as rumors of a €95 million Gonzalo Higuaín have emerged from Turin.
Speculations have recently went out that Juve is closing in on a deal with rival squad Napoli for the Argentine goalscorer, but the Italians assured United that Higuaín's signing "does not mean they will be forced to sell Pogba".
Pogba's agent, Mino Raiola, who is also the representative of newly-signed Manchester United players Zlatan Ibrahimović and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, reportedly "discussed the terms of a five‑year contract" with the Red Devils and the Frenchman's wage demands have already been agreed upon.
The 6-foot-3 Lagny-sur-Marne, France native's agreed basic annual wage is said to be around €13 million plus bonuses and retention of his image and sponsorship rights, which is highly valuable for a footballer.
Pogba, who still has two years left in his current contract with Le Zebre, is allegedly "eager to return to United despite them not being in the Champions League". It was refreshing news for the Man United faithful as initially reports emerged that the Frenchman is not keen on joining the squad and would prefer a move to La Liga's Real Madrid instead.
Caught Offside noted that Pogba's change of heart may be influenced not only by the lucrative "financial package" but also by the presence of new Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho, who is said to be highly respected by the midfielder.
If the deal is finalized, Pogba would be United's fourth big-name summer signing after young defender Eric Bailly, Ibrahimović, and Mkhitaryan.
Mourinho is allegedly looking to bring back the Premier League trophy to the Old Trafford next year and with his desired pieces falling into place, it would be surprising if United does not finish at least with a Champions League berth at the end of next season.
