Manchester United Transfer Rumors: Paul Pogba's Future 'Precarious,' De Laet Set for Loan Move

The future of highly-promising midfielder Paul Pogba at Manchester United is precarious, says the French player's agent, according to the Telegraph.

Pogba has six months remaining on his current contract at Old Trafford with the club retaining an option to extend that for another year if they wish. The 18-year-old has attracted interest from some of Europe's top clubs, including Juventus, Milan, Manchester City and Arsenal.

The player's agent, Mino Raiola, who also represents City's Mario Balotelli, said that Pogba's destiny is very much in the balance, with all options on the table.

We are discussing with the club--that is the situation, he revealed. It is a precarious situation and it is difficult at the moment.

Manchester United want him. It is up to the boy to make some decisions. It is never nice for the player not to be in the squad.

It is the same for any player, including Balotelli, but we must keep our minds cool and heads cool. Some things are good. Some things are not good [in this situation.]

Negotiations looked to have taken a turn for the worse last week when Pogba was unexpectedly left out of the match-day squad for the Europa League encounter with Ajax. Reports then emerged that Pogba was told to train with the reserves on the day of the game.

It would be a big blow to United to lose Pogba. The club put a lot of leg-work into securing his signature from Le Harve in 2009, despite the French side's fierce resistance.

Though he has had few first-team opportunities in his young United career, Pogba illustrated just why he is so highly-regarded with an exciting cameo, as a substitute, to mark his Premier League debut against Stoke last month.

Losing Pogba would also come on the back of the club's decision to allow another promising young midfielder, Ravel Morrison, to leave for West Ham last month, after a series of personal problems halted the 19-year-old's progress.

It may well be that the promise of more money early in his career, as well as greater assurances regarding playing time, could prompt Pogba to take the exit out of Old Trafford.

We know there are some clubs interested in him. Raiola said. We must finish first with Manchester and after that we will see other options, if they are there.

The club give the indication that they want to keep him. We are talking contract terms. There is willingness from both parties at the moment.

Another United youngster, defender Richie De Laet, could also be leaving the club, albeit only temporarily. The 23-year-old is wanted by Birmingham as a replacement for Stephen Carr, according to the Daily Mirror.