Get the FREE Mirror Football newsletter by email with the day's key headlines and transfer news Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Manchester City believe they are close to signing Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba for a British transfer record fee, according to reports.

The Blues were reportedly locked in a three-way tussle with Barcelona and Real Madrid for his signature, but the Sun report Manuel Pellegrini believes he almost has his man.

A fee of £60million is being touted, with the Frenchman set to earn £200,000-a-week at the Etihad.

City reportedly want to get the deal through the door, before they make a final approach for want-away Liverpool star Raheem Sterling.

Despite being banned from signing players until next January, Barca seemed to be in pole position to lure Pogba away from Juventus.

(Image: Shaun Botterill)

Presidential candidate Agusti Benedito claimed that, if he is elected, he will be able to seal a deal for the France international.

"I have spoken to Pogba," said Benedito. "First, I contacted Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli, then spoke directly with the player.

"They have proposed an annual salary of £8.6m after tax and a transfer fee of £57m.”

Zinedine Zidane also hinted at interest from the Bernabeu, suggesting 'extraordinary' Pogba had all the tools to be a shining light at Real Madrid.

He said: “I think he’s fantastic.

(Image: Liverpool Echo)

“What I like about him is that he has everything. He’s a complete player, who is also capable of scoring goals as he likes to get forward. In terms of his footballing qualities, he’s extraordinary.

“A lot of clubs are interested. There has also been talk of Real. Inevitably, talented players are of interest to all big clubs.

“For his development, it’s important that he has a good environment, and I hope he’ll always have that.”

However, Pellegrini is apparently confident of trumping both La Liga giants, as he bids to build a team capable of regaining the Premier League title, and making the latter stages of the Champions League.

It would be quite a story if the move comes to fruition, after Pogba was sensationally discarded by Sir Alex Ferguson during his formative years at City's rivals Manchester United.

Gallery: This summer's big done deals