Transfer News: Real Madrid pass on the opportunity to sign Manchester United star Paul Pogba
According to Defensa Central (h/t Express), Spanish giants Real Madrid have passed on the opportunity to sign Manchester United superstar Paul Pogba.
The Frenchman is in the final year of his contract at Old Trafford and has shown little inclination to pen fresh terms. The 28-year-old recently rejected a new contract offer from the Red Devils in what could be the latest indication as to his preferences.
The player has asked his agent, Mino Raiola to work out a move to Spain. While that could yet come true, he will not be moving to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer. Los Blancos president Florentino Perez does not appear to be a fan of the midfielder.
Real were long time admirers of the French ace but times have now changed. French legend Zinedine Zidane, a known admirer of Pogba is no more in charge and it would appear he was the driving force behind their interest in the United star. (h/t Express)
Perez, meanwhile, has his sights set on another Frenchman, Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe. With money at a premium, there is a fat chance of Los Blancos being able to afford both players. Perez appears keen to put all his eggs into one basket and focus all his attentions on Mbappe.
More so, the Spaniards believe Pogba was not the player he once was. A pretty curious statement given that he has shown increased levels of performance since the turn of the year. They also fear he is not fully focused on footballing matters.
Real focusing their attention elsewhere does little to United’s hopes of keeping Pogba. PSG are also in the fray for the player and could make a move to land him. For now, their attention is focused on renewing Mbappe’s contract. The youngster is also in the same boat and will be a free agent next year.
Catalan giants Barcelona have also been linked with the Manchester United star. However, with their finances down in the dumps, something drastic will have to happen for them to make a move for Pogba. The Frenchman’s former side Juventus are also in a similar situation.
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With Jadon Sancho and soon Raphael Varane amongst the ranks, United are building a team capable of challenging for the Premier League title. Keeping Pogba would leave us in a better state going forward. Whether that will be the case remains to be seen.
