MANCHESTER UNITED star Paul Pogba could be convinced to rejoin Juventus over a move to Real Madrid thanks to still having close pals in the team.
The Old Trafford star, 26, is expected to finally quit the Red Devils at some stage in 2020, with Los Blancos the front-runners for so long.
But now Pogba could lean towards a return to Italy thanks to his ties to Paulo Dybala, Gonzalo Higuain and Juan Cuadrado, according to Tuttosport.
All four were part of a group that called themselves the "Panitas" when they played together - with Pogba at the club between 2012 and 2016 in between stints at United.
The word "panita" reportedly means someone with a cheeky personality, but also a committed, selfless friend - first coined amongst the group by Colombian star Cuadrado.
The French star became an honorary member of Juventus' South American contingency during his time in Italy.
And Pogba - a regular visitor to Turin - still keeps up with his old friends via WhatsApp, as well as in person.
Last summer, the World Cup winner revealed he wanted to leave Man Utd to embark on a "new challenge".
Despite constant speculation of a move to Los Blancos, Pogba stayed at United - where injuries have limited him to just seven Premier League appearances this term.
But now Juventus have moved into pole position for the mercurial midfielder, thanks to Zinedine Zidane's pursuit of Donny van de Beek.
The Real Madrid boss has reportedly agreed to a £47million fee for Ajax's midfield maestro, with the move to go through this summer.
The Bernabeu giants may now decide they don't need another central midfielder and opt against Pogba - clearing the way for Juventus.
Pogba left the Italian champions to join United in a then-world-record £89m fee in 2016.