Tomorrow’s edition of French daily L’Equipe features a number of major claims regarding a potential Paul Pogba summer switch to Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid.
Zidane returns
Zinedine Zidane made his return to the bench at the Bernabeu on the 11th of March.
The former Real midfielder was reinstalled following failed stints on the part of both Julen Lopetegui and Santi Solari, which led to the capital giants relinquishing their title as European champions for the first time in 4 years, and failing to mount any kind of serious La Liga title challenge to Clasico rivals Barcelona.
And, on the back of Zidane’s return, Los Merengues have since been linked with a massive summer spending spree.
Numerous outlets across Europe have run similar stories, suggesting that Real are ready to break the bank on a number of high-profile additions.
Pogba targeted
Chief among the names linked with a Bernabeu switch have been Premier League duo Eden Hazard and Paul Pogba.
Chelsea attacker Hazard is known to be a long-time target of the soon-to-be dethroned Champions League holders, though the rumours of a potential Blancos’ swoop for Manchester United midfield standout Pogba have majorly ramped up since Zidane’s reappointment last month.
Zidane is said to have identified Pogba as the ideal addition to his side’s midfield, with Luka Modric set to turn 34 in the summer, and both Toni Kroos and Casemiro having struggled for form this season.
And the Real boss did little to play down the rumours linking Los Merengues with a swoop for his fellow countryman during a press conference late last month, when he explained:
‘I really like Pogba and you know that.’
‘I know him very well. He’s a different kind of player and he can provide many things because of his skills. He knows how to attack and defend.’
‘However, he’s not my player. He plays for United and we have to respect that. He’s always said that he likes Madrid.’
Pogba’s ‘scheduled’ transfer
Pogba himself has also admitted that it would mark a ‘dream for anyone’ to line out in the colours of Madrid, leading to ever-growing claims that the 26-year-old has his sights firmly set on an Old Trafford departure.
And, as per the aforementioned report from L’Equipe (via GFFN), set to hit stands tomorrow, not only is Pogba’s departure from Manchester looking like an increasing possibility, but it ‘appears to be scheduled’ for this summer.
United are reportedly no longer opposed to his sale, on the back of a number of sub-par performances of late.
In fact, the Frenchman is even said to have ‘told certain team-mates that he desires to go elsewhere’.
‘The former Juventus man is dreaming of credibly fighting year after year for the biggest prize in Europe: the Champions’ League,’ a scenario which Pogba does not see as realistic with Manchester United.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, remain the front-runners to seal a deal for Pogba, though PSG also remain an option.