Manchester City leading race to sign Paul Pogba with massive offer

Manchester City have surged ahead in the race for Paul Pogba with the 2013/14 Champions willing to pay him over the odds to secure his signature.

The Daily Mirror reports that City will pay him £250,000 ($385,540) a week after tax each week should he put pen on paper, a proposition which would be difficult to match for Manchester United, who are also in the hunt for the player.

The Cityzens are also willing to pay upto £70m for his signature and the player will be brought in as a replacement for Yaya Toure, who is expected to end his allegiance with the club.

Pogba's arrival will give them the much needed thrust from the midfield, which in the absence of Toure, who is in his prime form, has been lacking this season. However, a deal is expected to be finalised only after they decide on a manager, with Pep Guardiola being the favourite to take over after falling out with Bayern Munich.

Louis van Gaal is also reportedly interested in the player and is likely to take City to the hilt for his signature. The Red Devils have already secured the signature of Memphis Depay and are keeping a close eye on Gareth Bale, as they look to spend heavily yet again in the transfer window.

City are expected to go for a complete makeover this summer, with a lot of players lined up to leave the club and make room for new arrivals. The Cityzens have secured Champions League football yet again, but have been left pondering over what could have been after falling away in the race to retain their title.

Meanwhile, United have all but confirmed their spot in the Champions League next season and Liverpool failed to win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last weekend.