Well, the only way we're not going to sell a midfielder in 1-2 years is if we can work out a midfield without Pirlo (he has to retire eventually...) and without buying a replacement for Pirlo.
Could this work as our line up in 2014?:
Asamoah - Vidal - Marchisio (Pogba in the rotation)
Doesn't it need to be more creative? If we buy a Verratti to replace Pirlo we bascially have 5 world class midfielders for three spots in 2014 (Asamoah, Vidal, Pogba, Verratti & Marchisio). I just can't imagine us benching two of those. :/