It's been a quiet day and I have some thoughts on the Pogba transfer. I've probably gone full muppet, but bare with me and let me know what you're thinking. I know it's been quiet these past few days, and certainly the latest news didn't seem all that promising compared with late last weeks news, but let's ponder.

What we seem to know:

DiMarzio reporting that we met with Raiola and that the player has agreed to personal terms with us (~13mish after tax). United was also expected to start negotiations after the Euro Championships and are willing to pay 120m Euro (~100m GPB) to bring him to Manchester. Mourinho wants these discussions wrapped up quickly. All of this is good news in my opinion. It seems highly likely that Raiola was the one informing DiMarzio about this. Unlikely that United or Juve would leak this to an Italian based journalist. To me the best news is that United and Pogba have agreed to terms (if true). If Pogba is willing to come back to United (without CL no less) then this is the best news we've gotten. Pogba willing to come back is a positive. That's awesome. The club willing to break records to make it happen is also positive.

Also reports from L'equipe(?) that Pogba is amenable (and possibly even talking about) to a move back to United from sources in France and around the Euro. Seems to go along with DiMarzio's information about the player agreeing to terms with us.

Speculation:

Why would Raiola leak this? Possibly to put pressure on Juventus to give him a better contract. However, with the astronomical figures being quoted it seems like something else could be going on. Why would the agent put this out there? Juventus likely cannot match those wages (not to mention what they could do with that fee towards improving their club). So this could be pressure to give the player/agent a serious upper hand when it comes to negotiations (between Pogba - Juve). Paul could get a wage/bonus bump, albeit short of what we're offering, and return to Juve primed to move again next or in a couple of summers. That seems very plausible, and indeed most likely.

However, what if Pogba is open to the move and wants to earn that big money then it could be the agents way of quietly pressuring Juve into selling. I mean he is a CM and his athleticism and dynamism is the stand out feature in his game. An injury could really hamper his future earning potentials, or at least delay it. A move would be a good thing for all parties involved (bar Juventus mayhaps). Agent, United, and player all get a lot out of this.

What we know:

Raiola said himself that Juventus had offered Pogba a new contract. He said he was going to be meeting them with soon about that. It's also reported that Pogba does not mind returning to Juventus. Juventus is not keen to sell, in fact "absolutely does not want to sell." There are also reports that they will not hold on to him if he wants to leave; which according to his agent, he does not mind staying. Reports the discussion isn't out of the gate yet. This is all taken as negative, and it certainly should at the least cause pause for us and our hype in getting Pogba.

Speculation:

How much of the information is really new? Or how does it really change anything? A lot of this was met with pessimism, and it certainly should give us some pause. It's certainly given us pause from the glowingly positive reports of late last week. However, I took a lot of this to me all sides are trying hard not to burn bridges. Juventus do not want to sell Pogba. But they also haven't officially been offered a world record fee from him with a team he supposedly has an enormous contract agreed to. So what are they going to say? They're going to keep the same line they've had for the past few years (do not want to sell -- he is a bright player and our future). However, there is a A LOT of money being discussed that, so far as we can tell, has not officially been discussed, therefore it's not out of the gate yet.

Pogba isn't going to (yet) demand a move. He probably might not ever demand a move. It could all be a ploy to get Juventus to up his wages. He certainly doesn't want to burn any bridges either way. He would love to return to a club where he's adored and had success and has good personal relationships. That's not to say he won't leave, but what do you expect him and the agent to say? "Fuck yo couch?" Nah. Seems like a lot of agent speak and what you'd expect. Tells us little or nothing.

Juventus obviously want to hold on to their player. They certainly do not want to upset their fans or appear weak. They do hold his contract for a couple of seasons. They're not going to burn bridges either. If they admit they are open to selling, before negotiations begin they lose some respect amongst their fans, possibly alienate the player, AND can't hold United over a barrel.

Personally, in my biased eyes, this is positive too. I think this means there might be some actual merit to this transfer rumor. Everyone is saying the right stuff without showing their cards. Could mean something is actually a foot. It's not too vocal (like Ramos last year) and there's actually some merit (unlike Vidal -- unless you count his primary school gym teacher as reliable!). There seems to be the right amount for a possible move. Reliable sources reporting action. No burning of bridges. Ramos was throwing a tantrum for a new contract. Vidal there were whispers aside from clickbaity places.

What we know:

Reports that Pogba would prefer Madrid over us, but would still be open to a return to United. Further reports that while Zizou loves Pogba, he is not interested and certainly not for those wages. Reports that Perez would love for a Pogba galaticos signing. Later reports that Madrid was turned off by the high numbers being bandied about by United and have ended their pursuit.

Speculation:

Good news! I know a few people here only want 'those 100% committed' and are worried about a Di Maria situation, but Pogba isn't AdM. And this isn't an AdM situation. If Pogba doesn't want to play for United, he wouldn't come here, he'd stay in Juventus. AdM was being forced out of Madrid. Pogba is not. AdM wanted PSG but they couldn't afford him due to FFP. Madrid can afford Pogba but doesn't need/want him. Different situation. The fact that Madrid has pulled out is good news. It seems like we're the only ones left really competing for Pogba's signature. That could all change of course, but based on what we know (or think we) that's good news. It also means we've thrown our financial might around a bit and maybe put off some challengers, which is a good way to use our advantages.

tl;dr - based off what we think we know I think the Pogba situation is still a positive one. I wouldn't say it's 50/50, but it's certainly not dead in the water. I think we have a good and realistic chance of signing him and that we should remain positive*.

• Disclaimer: I am not responsible for broken hearts and hype. Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back!