Manchester United legend Gary Pallister believes the club must avoid the embarrassment of twice losing Paul Pogba on a free transfer.
Pogba was at United as a youth player, when he ran down his contract and departed from Juventus on a free transfer.
He was subsequently re-signed from Juve for a then-British record fee.
Pogba is out of contract next summer, and has shown no desire to renew his deal.
Pallister told The Sun: "It's an ongoing issue - the talk around Paul. For everybody concerned I think it would be [better] if a decision is made.
"You certainly don't want to be embarrassed again and lose that player on a free transfer.
"So I would think something has got to be sorted before the season or very soon into the season."
He added: "Ole has made it clear he wants him to stay.
"We know about the talent Paul has got. We see it with France and we see it at Man Utd - but maybe not as much as we would like to.
"But that always seems to be because there's something out there to be said about him - being linked here, there and everywhere.
"Obviously he went through that difficult period under Jose Mourinho which didn't really help. And that's where a lot of the rumours started.
"But I think for all concerned, if it was sorted out one way or another... either he decides he needs to move on or he's going to sign a contract.
"Because United can't be seen to be losing that amount of money over Paul again after the first time he left.
"I think for everybody concerned, Paul as well, it needs to be sorted out soon. Otherwise it's never going to be out the headlines and it's going to go on and on.
"And if his agent gets involved again - he seems to chuck a few hand grenades in here, there and everywhere - and its not particularly healthy.
"Hopefully he stays. If he wants to stay.
"He's got an incredible talent. I don't think we've seen the very very best of Paul Pogba in a Man Utd shirt.
"But if he was to sign now, settle down and forget about all these rumours - talking about Real Madrid and going back to France, I think he can be a pivotal figure in a Man Utd side."