Paul Pogba would be taking a step back if he joins Man Utd, according to Juventus coach Max Allergri

Massimiliano Allegri has suggested that Paul Pogba would be taking a step back if he decides to leave Juventus to return to Manchester United.

The 23-year-old left Old Trafford on a free transfer in 2012 but could be set to return this summer in a world-record deal worth £100m, with negotiations over a potential deal understood to have begun earlier this month.

However, Allegri believes Juventus are in the European elite and has reminded Pogba that they can offer the France midfielder the chance to win the Champions League this season while United will compete in the Europa League.

Pogba left Manchester United on a free transfer in 2012

Pogba, who was part of the French team which reached the final of Euro 2016 on home soil, was also a mainstay in Allegri's side which was beaten 3-1 by Barcelona in the Champions League final in 2015.

"I am calm about the English rumours," Allegri told Gazzetta dello Sport. "Anyone who has the opportunity to leave Juventus has to consider things very carefully, because right now Juve are among the top four European clubs.

Allegri has suggested Pogba could be taking a step back if he returns to Man Utd

"This is not a selling club that just lets its players go. Pogba belongs to Juve and at the end of the day he too will want to win another Scudetto and hopefully the Champions League.

"We have grown in terms of appeal and awareness of our own capabilities. So far our market this summer has been eight out of 10, bringing in players of international pedigree like Medhi Benatia, Dani Alves and Miralem Pjanic."