Report: United shelve Pogba contract talks

Drama is brewing at the Theatre of Dreams.

Manchester United is reportedly delaying plans for contract talks with Paul Pogba a day after quotes from the Frenchman hinted at a potential exit.

The Red Devils' brass is holding off on opening discussions with Pogba and his agent Mino Raiola, with ESPN FC's Rob Dawson reporting that the club has pumped the breaks on a proposal while the player remains unsettled.

A developing storyline tethered to a rift between Pogba and United boss Jose Mourinho, the World Cup winner hedged his bets when asked about his second spell in Manchester.

"There was a lot of talk about it (a transfer) but it was like that. I am under contract at Manchester (United)," Pogba told Sky Sport Germany, per the Telegraph's James Ducker. "My future right now is with Manchester. I have a contract. Currently, I play there, but who knows what will happen in the next couple of months."

"We have a coach-player relationship, it’s like that," he added. "One thing I can promise: I will always give it 100 percent, regardless for which coach. I give it my all for United always. That's all I can say."

Pogba's current terms lapse in the summer of 2021 with the club holding a one-year option to extend amid links between the former Juventus star and a move to Barcelona.

Barcelona vice president, Jordi Mestre poured water on the grease fire a day before Pogba's quotes, saying, "What I read is that Pogba is unhappy at Manchester United and his agent, Mino Raiola, has been more vehement in efforts to sell him. But I have not read that he says he wants to sign for the club. Yes, he is a player of unquestionable quality in the eyes of all the world."

Raiola, who has become synonymous with butting heads for the benefit of his clients, piggybacked rumors of a Camp Nou switch in August when he suggested United chief executive Ed Woodward sell Pogba amid criticism of his client by former Red Devils standout Paul Scholes.