Manchester City are ready to firm up their interest in Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba with an official bid, according to fresh media reports in Italy.
QS claims the Premier League champions are prepared to spend in excess of £45million to lure the former Manchester United prodigy back to the North-West of England.
City, who also lifted the League Cup during a successful 2013-14 campaign, could also offer defender Matija Nastasic as part of the package, as they look to capitalise on the Turin giants’ interest in the centre-half.
Nastasic fell out of favour at the Etihad Stadium last season, losing his place in Manuel Pellegrini’s starting line-up to Argentina international Martin Demichelis, and could be forced out during the summer transfer window.
City are thought to be anxious to make sure they have sufficient cover in the centre of the pitch next term after seeing former England man Jack Rodwell once again fail to shake off a succession of muscle injuries.
Javi Garcia has also cut an inconsistent figure since his arrival from Portugese heavyweights Benfica in 2012.
Pogba left United two years ago after failing to break into the first-team under then-manager Sir Alex Ferguson, and he has since established himself as one of the hottest properties in European football.
The France international has two years remaining on his contract in Italy.