Le Havre claim Pogba's parents paid €200,000

The French club are furious with the Premier League champions over what they see as the theft of one of their brightest young talents.

It is alleged that United paid a total of €200,000 to his parents, plus a house. And the player was promised bumper wages once he turned 17.

Le Havre have demanded that FIFA take action against United, and want to see a repeat of the punishment handed out to Chelsea over their signing of Gael Kakuta from Lens. The Blues have been banned from signing players until 2011 though they are sure to appeal.

United have strongly denied any wrongdoing over the signing of Pogba.

Louvel said: "They got to the parents, it was simple. €100,000 to the mother, €100,000 to the father and a house.

"I don't see why the Pogba case should not set a legal precedent. There was an agreement that no-one should poach young players. French clubs respect that rule but English clubs do not respect anything.

"FIFA does not allow contracts longer than three years before a player has reached 18. We respect that in France, in seems that in England they don't abide by that rule. "

The club's managing director Alain Belsoeur claims to have proof that United offered sweeteners to Pogba's parents, and is ready to present it to FIFA.

"We are still pursuing our case," he said. "It is a very serious case. We are confident that we'll win because it is in the best interests not just of our club but of sport. We spend €5m on our academy every year out of a turnover of €12m. It is a huge investment.

"We do that to give a chance to our players to develop for our first team, not to be an academy for others. What is the point of investing in an academy if the players leave at 16? This is clearly a message from FIFA to protect the education system."

Reds deny Pogba inducement

In response to the wholly unfounded comments widely reported in the media of Le Havre AC President, Jean-Pierre Louvel, Manchester United wishes to categorically confirm that as a matter of club policy, and in accordance with the applicable football regulations, it does not offer inducements to the parents of players that sign for the club, such as monetary payments or the purchase of houses.

Manchester United has today written to Le Havre AC to put it on notice that action will be taken if such allegations are repeated in relation to the transfer of Paul Pogba.

Manchester United is entirely satisfied that the transfer of Paul Pogba has been conducted in accordance with the regulations set down by the world governing body, FIFA. Manchester United is ready to defend any claim brought against it by Le Havre at FIFA.

It is to be noted that all contractual documentation relating to the player’s registration with the club has already been fully ratified by The Football Association and the Premier League.