Shortly after being confirmed as Manchester United's new boss, Jose Mourinho seems to have already begun preparations for the upcoming 2016/17 campaign. According to the Times' Duncan Castles (h/t Independent), Mourinho is looking to strengthen the 'spine' of United's starting eleven by attempting to secure the signatures of three 'elite-level' signings.
More specifically, the 53-year-old hopes to build his side around Juventus' talented midfielder Paul Pogba. Juventus have 'informally' placed Pogba on the transfer market, leading to United, Barcelona, and Real Madrid's reported interest.
Jose Mourinho targets three elite signings to put spine back into Manchester United. #MUFC https://t.co/KuzlArKpEj pic.twitter.com/BOHEN5ejgH
Many of the United faithful will remember, perhaps not too fondly, that Pogba originally began his professional career at Old Trafford. However, the Frenchman became agitated over the lack of first team opportunities afforded to him by then manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The conflict led to a falling out between Pogba's agent and Ferguson, culminating in the young midfielder's departure to Juventus.
Since joining the Italian giants, Pogba scooped four Serie A trophies and a Champions League finalist's medal. The France international has established himself as one of the best midfielders on the planet.
Pogba can drive powerfully past opponents, pick out a defense splitting pass, and score a number of goals himself. In fact, Pogba completed an excellent 102 dribbles in the 2015/16 season as per WhoScored.
Even with superclubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid in the mix for the 23-year-old, it is worth noting that United may still hold a significant advantage in the race. The 20-time league champions already have contact with Pogba's agent Mino Raiola. This is because the club is reportedly in discussions with Raiola for another of the agent's clients, Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
That is not where the positive news ends for United fans. Barcelona, another club rumored to be in pursuit of Pogba, are faced with a financial situation that would not allow for the purchase of a player commanding a fee of £70m. In order to secure Juve's talismanic figure, the club would have to sell one of Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr., and Luis Suarez.
After already missing out on another 18-year-old Renato Sanches, Mourinho and Manchester United will hope recent history does not repeat itself this time around.