'We will make space' - Paul Pogba transfer admission made amid Manchester United links

Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi is open to making room in their squad for "champions" as speculation surrounds Paul Pogba's potential return to playing in France.

The World Cup-winning midfielder is a free agent following the termination of his Juventus contract. That leaves the player without a club, and a move back to France is being suggested.

De Zerbi, who joined Marseille last summer, acknowledges that his club, France's only former European champion, still lags behind Paris Saint-Germain on the domestic front and needs additional talent to bridge that gap. With the winter transfer window approaching in January, the former Brighton and Hove Albion coach has indicated a desire to sign experienced winners like Pogba—though he mentions he hasn't explicitly talked about signing him with the club's hierarchy.

De Zerbi said: "I would like to have only champions in my team. Pogba has always been a champion, but honestly, during my discussions with staff, we have never spoken about it.

"In January, we especially need to find players for the needs we have. Obviously, if champions arrive, we will try to find space and make sure they can live together.

"That would absolutely not be a problem for me. When you have top players, it's not my problem but that of the opponents."

Pogba, 31, remains driven to return once his doping ban expires next year. He expressed those ambitions to Sky Sports.

"I don't want to lose the level I am at. If I can surpass it, this is what I want.

"I'm still the same player but with a different hunger. I am more motivated. I am more hungry.

"I will appreciate the game more than before after it was taken away from me. I realised how important it was for me."

Pogba also expressed his desire to represent France again. "It is in my mind for sure. I have to be ready for that.

"There are players who deserve to play, and I have to win my place back. I am ready to fight."