Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has not travelled to China with Jose Mourinho’s squad amid reports that a world-record offer for Juve’s Paul Pogba has been rejected.

The 23-year-old departed Old Trafford four years ago having failed to make a single first-team start, racking up a mere seven appearances in all competitions.

Pogba subsequently flourished and has transformed into one of the world’s best midfielders, shining during a medal-laden period with Serie A champions Juve.

Now, though, a return to United could be on the cards and reports said a transfer package worth £100m has been turned down by the Turin giants.

The Guardian said Juventus want a basic £100m plus £8m add-ons for a player who is also attracting interest from Real Madrid.

However, United are the bookmakers’ favourites to sign Pogba and Woodward was conspicuous by his absence when the team landed in Shanghai yesterday.

The executive vice-chairman did not travel to China for United’s week-long pre-season tour as work continues to add to the arrivals of Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

The latter pair are both clients of Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola and reports in Italy suggest the player has told Juventus he now wants to leave the Serie A.

It is understood Woodward could head to China for the second friendly against Manchester City in Beijing next Monday, but he did not travel for United’s clash against Borussia Dortmund in Shanghai tomorrow.

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