Real Madrid target Paul Pogba has been urged by former Arsenal striker Nicolas Anelka to snub a return to Manchester United in favour of a move to Chelsea – but will it realistically happen

The Juventus midfielder has been a revelation since his switch to Serie A in 2012 after leaving United having let his contract expire.

Th 21-year-old was expected to leave the Italian champions last summer but ended up staying and committing his future with the Old Lady until 2019.

The Frenchman has been tracked by Real Madrid – with boss Carlo Ancelotti previously saying they could try and sign him – while Chelsea and United have been strongly linked with him.

His contract length, age and performances all add up to an expensive transfer for any club wishing for the player’s services – with him expected to go for a minimum of £50m if Juventus decide to cash in.

His all action playing style would be a perfect fit for the Premier League but Anelka thinks it is the champions-elect Chelsea who Pogba should join over the player’s former side United.

Anelka told France Football: “Paul technically knows everything and he has the qualities to play anywhere.

“My preference is for him to join Chelsea, who have very strong players and the financial power of [Roman] Abramovich.

“Also Real Madrid, who are one of the biggest clubs in the world, if not the greatest. He would grow a lot under Carlo Ancelotti. In his head, Paul will already know clubs that he wants to play for.”

But with Juventus likely to demand top money for Pogba, the restrictions of Financial Fair Play [FFP] could conceivably see him priced out of a move to Chelsea, even though he would be a welcome addition to their midfield with his array of attributes.

United, meanwhile, are a different proposition when it comes to FFP and as shown with last summer’s massive £150m spending spree, can afford to pay massive transfer fees and wages without overstepping the parameters of the financial guidelines.

The Red Devils would surely be interested in the powerful midfielder but whether the feeling is reciprocal is open to question, with Louis Van Gaal’s side still someway off the best two clubs in England and other elite clubs in Europe.