Paul Pogba in 'advanced negotiations' to join shock club with Man Utd reunion on the cards

Paul Pogba is reportedly in advanced negotiations to join a new club when his ban from football is lifted.

Pogba was initially hit with a four-year suspension after testing positive for DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) - a compound that promotes the production of hormones in the body including testosterone.

However, after appealing the decision, the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced Pogba's ban down to 18 months.

It means he is free to resume training in January 2025 before returning to the pitch two months later.

It is widely reported that Juventus are set to terminate his contract via mutual consent.

But there are a number of potential moves which could be on the cards for Pogba, with Malick Traore, a journalist for NCI, reporting that Marseille are progressing well in talks over bringing him back to France.

Should the deal happen in January, Pogba would link up with former Manchester United teammate Mason Greenwood, Neal Maupay and Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg and work with former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi.

The club also recently snapped up his former Juventus colleague Adrien Rabiot on a free transfer.

Pogba's initial sample for DHEA was taken on the first game of the 2023/24 season in August following a random test and the verdict was given in October 2023.

Image: Getty

The France international has always denied "knowingly or deliberately taking any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations".

After a successful appeal, a delighted Pogba issued a statement on the matter - expressing his excitement at getting his career back on track.

"Finally the nightmare is over," a statement from Pogba read, as per Sami Mokbel from the Daily Mail.

"Following the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again.

"I always stated that I never knowingly breached World Anti-Doping Agency regulations when I took a nutritional supplement prescribed to me by a doctor, which does not affect or enhance the performance of male athletes.

"I play with integrity, and although I must accept that this is a strict liability offence, I want to place on record my thanks to the Court of Arbitration for Sport's judges who heard my explanation.

"This has been a hugely distressing period in my life because everything I have worked so hard for has been put on hold.

"Thank you again for all the love and support. I just cannot wait to get back on the pitch."