Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for a banned substance in Italy, the country’s anti-doping agency has said.

The 30-year-old, who plays for Juventus, was tested after his team’s victory at Udinese on 20 August.

The test detected testosterone, a hormone that increases athletes’ endurance.

The anti-doping agency said the French player was suspended provisionally with immediate effect.

Pending a trial and testing of a backup “B” sample, he risks a suspension of up to four years.

Pogba has dealt with several injuries since rejoining Juventus from Manchester United a little more than a year ago.

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He was ruled out of France’s run to the World Cup final last year due to a knee injury.

There has also been an ongoing police investigation in France into allegations Pogba was targeted by extortionists – including his older brother, Mathias, who has denied any wrongdoing.

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Juventus released a statement acknowledging the failed test and added: “The club reserves the right to consider the next procedural steps.”

Pogba has made eight Serie A appearances for the club so far.

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