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Who will succeed Paul Pogba as the world's most-expensive footballer?

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24:  Paul Pogba of Manchester United shows his appreciation for the fans after the final whistleduring the Premier League m
Image: Who will succeed Paul Pogba as the world's most-expensive footballer?

After Jose Mourinho declared Paul Pogba's world-record transfer fee will soon look like a bargain for Manchester United, we take a look at the group of players who could surpass the £89m paid for the Frenchman...

"I am pretty sure that next summer some players with only half his quality probably will cost the same money or more, so I am waiting for that moment to release him from the scrutiny," Mourinho said in response to Pogba's critics.

"The next summer can bring a few surprises at this level and probably Paul will lose his status as the world's most-expensive player, which is probably a good thing."

But is Mourinho right? We've selected 13 players and ask you to decide who poses the greatest threat to Pogba's world-record transfer fee. Use the 'upvote' and 'downvote' buttons to have your say...

Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)

He smashed the transfer record to bring Pogba to Old Trafford in 2016 but could Mourinho do it all again to lure Griezmann away from the Vicente Calderon? The Atletico Madrid forward is understood to head United's summer transfer wishlist, and his reported £85m release clause means the Frenchman could come mightily close to surpassing his close friend and compatriot Pogba.

Atletico Madrid's French forward Antoine Griezmann celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match Club Atletico de Madrid vs Real Sporti

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund)

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Aubameyang hasn't shied away from speculation linking him with the Dortmund exit-door, frequently stating he dreams of playing for Spanish giants Real Madrid one day. "Yes, yes. That's true but, you know, there is not only Real Madrid in this world," the Gabon international, who also left the door open to other options, revealed to Fussball Bild. Whether a move to the Bernabeu or elsewhere materialises, it would take a sizeable sum to convince Dortmund to part with a forward who has scored 103 goals in four seasons at the Westfalenstadion.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

It's a rumour which seems to do the rounds every year - Lionel Messi and Pep Guardiola reuniting at Manchester City, what a mouth-watering prospect that would be. It's usually taken with a pinch of salt but Barca's alarming slump and growing unrest at the Nou Camp has seen speculation gather pace, with City making the Argentine their No 1 summer transfer target, according to the Daily Mirror. With City more than capable of matching the mooted £100m required to sign Messi, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner could well have another record to add to his haul.

Lionel Messi celebrates Barcelona's second against Atleti

Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)

Captain and all-time leading goalscorer for both England and Manchester United, Rooney's footballing pedigree is unquestionable. However, his steady decline at Old Trafford this term has seen talk of a move intensify. Constantly linked with China, there is no question Rooney's wages would reach unprecedented levels - whether United are able to pocket a world-record fee for the 31-year-old, however, remains to be seen.

Wayne Rooney

Neymar (Barcelona)

One third of Barcelona's feared MSN attacking trio, Neymar has enjoyed unrivalled success during his trophy-laden three-and-a-half-year stint at the Nou Camp. However, the individual accolades haven't come quite so freely for the Brazilian, who stands behind team-mate Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the pantheon of footballing greats. It's been suggested Neymar must step out of Messi's shadow to emulate the Argentine. With big-spenders PSG perennially linked, could a record transfer to the French capital provide him with such a platform?

PARIS, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 14:  Neymar of Barcelona runs during the warm-up before the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg match between Paris Saint-

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

Whether it's a strategic move to Paris Saint-Germain or an emotional return to Manchester United, four-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo would surely demand a gargantuan fee were he to leave the Bernabeu. Having been dethroned as the world's most-expensive player when Gareth Bale move to Madrid in 2013, it's certainly an accolade the Portuguese would be keen to regain.

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring during extra-time of the Club World Cup football final match between Kashima Antlers of Japan and

Paulo Dybala (Juventus)

The Argentine's dynamic performances for Serie A champions Juventus have attracted suitors across Europe, with El Clasico rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid reportedly leading the charge. With the 23-year-old expected to extend his stay in Turin for the time being though, perhaps a big-money move could materialise after a few more sensational seasons with the Bianconeri.

Paulo Dybala of Juventus FC celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the TIM Cup match between Juventus FC and AC Milan

Dele Alli (Tottenham)

Dele Alli's stock has continued to rise following his breath-taking emergence as one of English football's most talented prospects. The Spurs midfielder has overcome each challenge of his fledgling career with ease, and it's that seamless adaptation to new challenges which has Europe's top clubs interested. With the great negotiator Daniel Levy involved in any deal that would see Alli leave White Hart Lane, there's no doubt he'll threaten Pogba's record if he continues on the same trajectory.

Tottenham Hotspur's Dele Alli celebrates scoring his side's second goal v Chelsea during the Premier League match at White Hart Lane, London

Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich)

Bayern Munich are understood to have rejected an £85m bid from Manchester United for the Germany international last summer, a transfer which would have matched the fee Spurs received from Real Madrid for Bale. Fast forward half a season and the chances of United reviving their interest in Muller - a striker who has found the net on just one occasion in the Bundesliga this season - look in doubt.

Bayern Munich's striker Thomas Mueller (L) and Bayern Munich's Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara (R) celebrate after the third goal for Munich during the

Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

Having been the driving force behind Chelsea's Premier League title-winning campaign in 2014/15, and having playing a huge part in their assault on the championship this season, there are few, if any, Blues supporters who would like to see Eden Hazard leave Stamford Bridge. But Real Madrid, who have made four of the top 10 record-breaking transfers, could be tempted to splash out.

Chelsea's Belgian midfielder Eden Hazard celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City

Diego Costa (Chelsea)

Is he staying or is he going? Diego Costa's future threatened to derail the Blues' Premier League title charge but he has refocused to get them back on track. With a reported £30m-a-season contract on the table for the Spaniard it goes without saying a move to China is appealing to the player, but it could appeal to Chelsea, too, especially if they receive an equally staggering fee.

Diego Costa celebrates scoring Chelsea's second goal during the Premier League match against Southampton

Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)

Pep Guardiola's goalkeeping problems have seen the former Bayern boss linked with Neuer, despite the German confirming there had been no contact with the Manchester City head coach. The current record transfer fee for a goalkeeper - £33m Juventus paid for Gianluigi Buffon - has stood for the best part of 16 years, but given the current climate that could be smashed if City really want their man. Whether that's enough for Neuer to challenge the overall record isn't as clear.

MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 16:  Manuel Neuer, keeper of Muenchen reacts during the Bundesliga match between

Gareth Bale (Real Madrid)

Viewed as the long-term successor to Cristiano Ronaldo, Bale has constantly reiterated his intention to remain at Real Madrid for the foreseeable future. On first glance the Welshman's unwillingness to leave, and Real's reluctance to sell, makes a world-record transfer look unlikely but it's that unwillingness which also makes Bale a contender. He's already moved for a world record, who's to say he wouldn't demand a similar fee if he were to leave the Bernabeu?

MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 18:  Gareth Bale of Real Madrid CF celebrates scoring their second goal during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and RCD Es

Have your say...

Select the 'upvote' button for the players you think can challenge Pogba's record and the 'downvote' option for those who don't.

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