Manchester United seem certain to launch a vigorous defence of their position if the case of former Le Havre youngster Paul Pogba is referred to Fifa.

Chelsea have vowed to appeal against a ban on signing players for the next two transfer windows after being found guilty of improper conduct in their recruitment of Gael Kakuta from French club Lens.

Le Havre have confirmed they are requesting Fifa to investigate the case of Pogba, who they claim had agreed to join them, only to walk out in favour of the Old Trafford outfit.

Fifa have so far failed to register Pogba's arrival at Old Trafford, although United insist they have done nothing wrong.

"It is complete nonsense," a spokesman for United said. "Everything has been done within Uefa guidelines."

However, Le Havre managing director Alain Belsoeur claims to have documentation showing United offered inducements for Pogba to join them and has vowed to include it in submissions to the world's governing body.

"We are still pursuing our case," Belsoeur told The Times. "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 €5 million on our academy every year out of a turnover of €12 million. 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."