Man City sent 'trim and in shape' Paul Pogba endorsement amid talk of ex-Man Utd star heading to Etihad Stadium on free transfer

Pogba is looking for a new club as he prepares to return from a reduced doping ban in March, with the midfielder free to resume training in January. City have emerged as surprising candidates to sign the former Manchester United star following reports the English champions have made contact with him.

City are looking for a midfielder to replace Ballon d'Or winner Rodri, who may be out for the rest of the season, but Pogba's lack of playing time and proper training over the last 18 months have sparked concerns he would not be the right signing for Pep Guardiola's team. Ex-England international Wright-Phillips, however, says the move would pay off.

"You can't really take away the talent that the Paul Pogba’s got," he told sportcasting.com. "I think it's wrong for people just to assume: ‘OK, he's had his bad time, he's just gone as a player.’ He's still quite young. I've seen him, he still looks trim and in shape. I think if you can get him fit, the ability that he has - if you can get him working and defending - the ability he has going forward in terms those raking passes that he can play, the goals that he can score or the skills that he can do, if you can get him where he needs to be quickly, I think it'd be a plus for a lot of clubs in the Premier League, especially with the amount of games the top four have to play. It'd be massive. Paul Pogba could be an important player for any of the top clubs in the Premier League."

Marseille and Corinthians also have a reported interest in the 31-year-old, while a third spell at United has also been touted as a possibility. The France international is expected to announce his decision soon.