Manchester United could yet see Paul Pogba sign a new deal and remain at Old Trafford beyond this summer.
The Frenchman's deal expires in a matter of months and he has long been expected to depart.
The midfielder remains the club's record signing following his £89m return in 2016.
However his second coming in Manchester has been largely inconsistent with constant public talk of his future, much of it fuelled by super agent Mino Raiola.
The Italian has used the media to discuss his client's wishes whilst also taking aim at the club and previous managers.
Real Madrid, Juventus and PSG have all been touted as possible destinations this summer with Pogba available for nothing.
Now though, in an incredible turn of events, there could be a scenario that ends with the 28-year-old still wearing red next term, according to The Sun.
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Ralf the key
It is understood that interim boss Ralf Rangnick has hugely impressed Pogba - both with his vision for himself and the team.
The German, hired as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's replacement, will remain in the dugout until the summer, when he is expected to take up a consultancy role.
He will have a hand in appointing his successor with Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag among those under consideration.
However, if Pogba is to remain, he wants Rangnick to stay in his current role.
The veteran coach has pioneered several modern day ideals and influenced the likes of Thomas Tuchel and Jurgen Klopp.
Performances may not have improved greatly since his arrival, even if results have, but Pogba believes Rangnick has the club on the right track.
The Frenchman has been convinced by his current boss that he can build an effective midfield around him.
Throughout Pogba's time in England positional questions have been continually asked.
As a young player at Juventus, playing alongside the likes of Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal, Pogba was able to thrive, somewhat freed of major defensive responsibilities.
At United he has been exposed in a two, overlooked as a 10 and farmed out to the wing.
Clearly though Rangnick feels that a system exists that benefits Pogba and has convinced the player accordingly.
Leadership role
Beyond the on pitch conundrums, Pogba is also being touted with greater influence.
Cliques have surfaced in the Old Trafford dressing room which has not necessarily had a galvanising effect.
Regulars under Solskjaer were seen as untouchable whilst other players continued to be overlooked, which led to several frank discussions.
Pogba remains an immensely popular give within the group and there is a feeling that he would thrive if asked to step up.
Harry Maguire has remained the club captain whilst Cristiano Ronaldo commands huge respect and influence.
Rangnick believes Pogba can also be a major player behind the scenes.
What next?
Contract talks had been shelved by the two parties with an understanding that the Frenchman would leave on a free.
Discussions could be reignited however, especially if both sides show a willingness to find a solution.
Assurances regarding Rangnick's future could turn Pogba's head and see him reaffirm his commitment to the Red Devils.
The player is currently injured but is expected to return in the coming weeks - which would be his first appearance under the German.
Rangnick recently responded to questions about whether he would play Pogba, given his contract situation, and responded emphatically.
He said: "Even if it's for only showing up for a new contract elsewhere, I mean, he will be highly motivated to do that. Why should I then not play him?"
He also highlighted: "By the way, my contract as a manager is also expiring in the summer.
"So we have the same goal, we have the same ambition to be as successful as we can possibly be in the next three or four months.
"For me, it's not a question if a player has an expiring contract. The question is how much does he still want to be a part of this group? How much does he still feel emotionally and physically on board?"
