MANCHESTER CITY is reportedly mulling over a surprising bid to recruit Paul Pogba just ahead of the Manchester derby.

The struggling champions have “inquired” about a potential transfer for the former Man Utd star as he gets ready to return from a doping suspension in March.

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Pep Guardiola is seeking more midfield options, especially since Rodri’s ACL injury has hindered City’s Premier League ambitions.

Earlier this week, SunSport revealed that Guardiola may invest in the January transfer window for the first time in seven years.

His targets reportedly include Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes and Liverpool prospect Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.

However, The Independent posits that he may contemplate a far more controversial acquisition of the divisive ex-Man Utd star Pogba.

Nonetheless, the report highlights that Pogba is reluctant to join City due to his connections with their fierce adversaries.

In fact, the 31-year-old Frenchman reportedly has concerns about returning to England entirely.

Pogba still wishes to compete at the pinnacle of football, with LaLiga, Serie A, and the Bundesliga being his preferred leagues.

Currently, he is serving an 18-month suspension for testing positive for the performance-enhancing substance DHEA in August 2023.

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Pogba was initially handed a four-year ban, but this was reduced after he appealed.

This suspension led to the termination of his contract with Juventus.

Paul Pogba was brought back to Man Utd to HUMILIATE Sir Alex Ferguson – I told him not to return, says Patrice Evra

Starting from January, the 2018 World Cup winner will be eligible to train with a club again.

Pogba expressed in October: “I am not a cheater; I love my sport.

“I value the game and would never turn to unfair tactics. People are aware of this about me.

“Those who know me realize that I’m a sore loser, but I am definitely not a cheater.

“I just want to return to the field, any field.

“It’s difficult to train alone, doing passes against a wall.

“At the moment, my objective is to get back to training, regain fitness, and play the game I adore.”

Pogba has made 233 appearances for Man Utd during his two stints at the club.

He departed on a free transfer in the summer of 2022.

Pep Guardiola’s Challenging Streak at Man City

PEP GUARDIOLA has acknowledged experiencing sleepless nights as he navigates the toughest phase of his managerial career.

Here are the three-time Premier League champions’ disappointing last 10 matches…

Oct 30: Tottenham 2 Man City 1 – DEFEAT

Nov 2: Bournemouth 2 Man City 1 – DEFEAT

Nov 5: Sporting Lisbon 4 Man City 1 – DEFEAT

Nov 9: Brighton 2 Man City 1 – DEFEAT

Nov 23: Man City 0 Tottenham 4 – DEFEAT

Nov 26: Man City 3 Feyenoord 3 – DRAW

Dec 1: Liverpool 2 Man City 0 – DEFEAT

Dec 4: Man City 3 Nottingham Forest – WIN

Dec 7: Crystal Palace 2 Man City 2 – DRAW

Dec 11: Juventus 2 Man City 0 – DEFEAT

TOTAL – WINS 1, DRAWS 2, DEFEATS 7