Juventus remain stubborn over Manchester United-bound Paul Pogba

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has seemingly not given up hope of keeping Manchester United-bound Paul Pogba despite the player being set to undergo a medical ahead of a return to Old Trafford. The 20-time Premier League champions confirmed the France international would visit the club's training complex this week ahead of completing his move from the Bianconeri, but Allegri is still expecting Pogba back in first team training this week.

Pogba has been given extra time off since helping France reach the European Championship final. But after posting a video of him kickboxing has been summoned to join up with the rest of his Juve teammates less than two weeks before the club begin their Serie A title defence against Fiorentina.

Despite United confirming Pogba is close to completing his return to the club for a report £89m, according to BBC Sport, four years on from him being allowed to leave them on a free, Allegri is not ready to concede defeat. The Italian expects Pogba to return to first team training on Monday [8 August] and still considers him to be a Juventus player.

"I spoke about Pogba the day before," he said after the 3-2 friendly win over West Ham United, according to Sky Sports. "We have just finished a match and I don't know much more," he said. "We will see tomorrow (Monday) if he is still a Juventus player. There's no point in discussing replacements for Pogba because right now he's a Juventus player."

But despite Allegri's latest protestations, Pogba appears destined to complete his return to United and become the fourth signing made by Jose Mourinho during his spell in charge. The Portuguese coach believes Pogba has made the right decision over his future, by turning down a move to Real Madrid or Barcelona.

"United is the perfect club to bring him to the level he wants to be," Mourinho told reporters at Wembley after the Community Shield win over Leicester City. "The Premier League is the perfect habitat if you want to be the best player in the world. If you go to Barca or Madrid you are in trouble, because I don't think the other two big guys will let you develop to that level.

"Here he has the conditions to develop in the biggest worldwide championship, with a team that wants to bring Manchester United to the top again. We have everything to give him. Money he will get in any big club. He comes because he knows the club, the city, many of the players and to be part of the Man United project."