Paul Pogba provides update on his future with cryptic Instagram message as former Manchester United star appears to one step closer to comeback following drug test ordeal

Paul Pogba has provided an update on his future with a cryptic Instagram post on the back of his Juventus exit.

As Mail Sport revealed in October, Pogba and the Italian club had been locked in talks over ending his contract. He officially left in November, starting the search for his new club as he approaches his return to playing.

The former Manchester United midfielder will be eligible to return to the grass in January after his four-year drugs ban was slashed to just 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in October, news exclusively revealed by Mail Sport.

Pogba was originally suspended on September 11, 2023, by Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal (NADO) for increased levels of testosterone, following a random drug test.

The Frenchman’s original contract at Juventus was set to expire in June 2026 after he re-joined the club from United in the summer of 2022. However, he is now without a club.

His playing return will come in March, though it remains to be seen who that will be with, and he has been linked with a number of clubs – on Friday, meanwhile, he shared his latest update.

The midfielder is nearing a return to playing after serving a drugs ban for a number of months

He left Juventus in November and is now on the hunt for the latest club side of his career

Posting to his 62.4million followers on Instagram, Pogba shared a black screen accompanied by three emojis. They were a sand timer, a zipped silence face and a wink face with the tongue poking out.

It remains to be seen exactly what this message means, but it could suggest that he is nearing an agreement with a club for his return.

The 31-year-old has been linked with a number of sides when he comes back, from former team United, to a Saudi Arabian team, to Marseille.

Announcing his second exit from Juventus, he wrote on Instagram: ‘There are moments when things don’t go the way we want, but one thing is certain: the bond I have with you, dear fans, will remain unforgettable.

‘You have given me so much, more than I can put into words, and I will always carry with me all the affection you gave me. You’ll be in my heart, aways. Good luck Juventus.’

The Italian giants wrote: ‘Juventus Football Club and Paul Pogba announce that they have reached a mutual agreement for the termination of their contract as of 30 November, 2024. The club wishes Paul the very best for his professional future.’

Towards the end of November, Adil Rami, who lifted the World Cup with Pogba for France in 2018, appeared to message the midfielder directly to call for him to join Marseille in his homeland.

If he was to do so, he would join the likes of Roberto De Zerbi and Mason Greenwood at the club, while links with another United return appear far-fetched.

He has been linked with a number of clubs, including teams in the Saudi Pro League

His four-year doping ban was reduced after an appeal and he can play again in March 2025

The ex-Man United star sat down for an exclusive interview with Mail Sport back in October

Pogba was facing potential retirement from football had CAS upheld his four year suspension after testing positive for DHEA, a substance that boosts testosterone.

However, the 31-year-old has started planning the restart of his career after the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled he inadvertently took the banned substance.

In confirming the reduction in Pogba’s ban, the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled Pogba can recommence training in January 2025.

His original €5,000 fine was also set aside.