MANCHESTER, England - Premier League champions Manchester United have dismissed claims they stole 16-year-old midfielder Paul Pogba from French club Le Havre.

MANCHESTER, England - Premier League champions Manchester United have dismissed claims they stole 16-year-old midfielder Paul Pogba from French club Le Havre.

United have been accused of offering very large sums to the parents of the teenager, who has captained the national team at under-16 level, to induce him to end a contract he has until the end of this season.

A United spokesperson said : "It is nonsense. Everything has been done within Uefa guidelines."

A statement on the club's website said: "Le Havre wishes to express its indignation regarding the dealings of Manchester United's directors in relation to Paul Pogba.

"The player and his parents refused to keep the arrangement because United offered very high sums of money to the parents of the (player) with the aim of obtaining the transfer of their son." - Sapa-AFP