'I would only like champions' - Roberto De Zerbi fuels Paul Pogba transfer talk as Marseille boss says French giants would 'find space' for ex-Juventus & Man Utd star as doping ban ticks down

Pogba has been a free agent since his contract at Juventus was terminated as the midfielder prepares for his return when his 18-month doping ban, cut down from four years, comes to an end in March.

Marseille have been touted as the most likely destination for the ex-Manchester United star, though shock moves to Manchester City and Corinthians have also been reported as possibilities, and De Zerbi has suggested he is in favour of snapping him up.

“I would like to have only champions in my team. Pogba has always been a champion but honestly, during my discussions with staff, we have never spoken about it," he told reporters. "In January, we especially need to find players for the needs we have. Obviously, if champions arrive, we will try to find space and make sure they can live together. That would absolutely not be a problem for me. When you have top players, it's not my problem but that of the opponents."

Marseille are second in Ligue 1 and 10 points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain, and may look to boost their hopes of closing the gap by signing the 31-year-old.