Former France and Marseille star Patrice Evra has given his backing to Pogba joining the Ligue 1 team and said he would contact sporting director Medhi Benatia to encourage him to pursue a deal. He said: “He wants to play football, wherever it is, for example why not OM? I’m going to call Benatia and tell him that the door is open.”

Pogba has laughed off the ex-Manchester United player’s comments, but did not rule out a transfer. He told L’Equipe: “I laugh because he’s Uncle Pat , he said it jokingly. I’m still under contract so it’s not credible. The possibility of coming to play in Ligue 1? I’m at a club, I’m just thinking about coming back and getting out of this situation. Of course, you never know what tomorrow will bring, so never say never.”

Asked about his reaction to heaving his ban reduced, the France international said: “I was really happy. I hadn’t done anything, why would they give me four years? I’ll be able to go back to doing what I love the most. It’s like I’ve been given another chance. I’ve been given back something that had been taken away from me. It’s a new lease on life. March is tomorrow, it’ll come quickly. And it’s something I can’t wait to do.”

Pogba can resume training with the Serie A side before he is clear to play again in March. The Bianconeri have had a mixed start to the season, winning three and drawing four of their seven matches in the top-flight. They sit three points behind leaders Napoli.