ROME, Oct 24 — Young France midfielder Paul Pogba delivered a blow to would-be suitors by signing a contract extension with Juventus until 2019, the Serie A champions said today.

The 21-year-old former Manchester United youth team player was allegedly being chased by some of the biggest names in Europe, including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, and United themselves.

Pogba joined Juve two years ago after growing tired of waiting for a chance to break into United’s first team.

He had joined the Red Devils as a youth player in 2009 and although he made seven appearances for United, he never started a league game.

He is one of the most highly-regarded young players in world football having been named Best Young Player at the World Cup and player of the tournament at last year’s under-20 World Cup. — AFP