Pogba suspended for four years for doping

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has been suspended for four years for doping, according to Italian news outlet Tutto Dello Sport. 

Now at Juventus, Pogba tested positive for pentadehydroepiandrosterone, a growth hormone, after his side's clash against Udinese back in August and was subsequently suspended from action on 11 September. 

Set to turn 31 this month, the French World Cup winner has now been banned after a request from anti-doping prosecutors was upheld. 

A report on BBC Sport indicates that Pogba "is likely to appeal against Italy's national anti-doping tribunal's (Nado) decision".

The ruling effectively means Pogba will not be able to play until 2027, when he will be 33; the ban backdated to when he initially failed the test.

Speaking after Pogba's initial suspension, his agent, Rafaela Pimenta, said: "What is certain is that Paul Pogba never wanted to break a rule."

Re-signed by Manchester United for £89m back in 2016, former Red Devils academy graduate Pogba made 227 appearances in his second stint at the club before rejoining Juventus last summer. 

After struggling with injuries, Pogba made only 12 appearances in his second spell at Juventus prior to his suspension and subsequent ban.