Manchester City are waiting to pounce for Manchester United contract rebel Paul Pogba. The Independent says United fear they may lose their rising star Pogba, a defensive midfielder recruited at great expense and effort from Le Havre two years ago, to their fierce rivals Manchester City as talks over a new deal for the 18-year-old hit an impasse.

Pogba has so far failed to agree terms on an extended deal.

But while Arsenal, Internazionale and Milan are all believed to be monitoring his progress, it is the prospect of losing the jewel in their crown to City - where Pogba's hero, Patrick Vieira, ended his career and now retains an important role in player recruitment - that would jar the most.