A wink from Zidane
Zinedine Zidane has “added to the uncertainty surrounding Paul Pogba’s future” with the Real Madrid head coach making it known how highly he regards his compatriot.
Last week Pogba spoke highly of Zidane when asked how he felt about his return to Real Madrid, and it seems like a mutual love-in is now in progress, which will only fuel speculation that the French World Cup winner will quit Old Trafford.
The Sunday Times describes how Zidane was asked for his opinion of Pogba at a press conference at the weekend.
“I like Pogba a lot and it’s not new,” he replied. “I know him personally. He is different. He contributes to what few can do. He knows how to attack and defend. He knows how to do everything on the pitch.”
Door always open
Although Pogba still has two years on his contract, Real are expected to make him their No.1 summer transfer target as they look to replenish their squad after a disappointing season.
Zidane was careful not to tread on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s toes, but his words will nonetheless be seen as a flirt.
“He’s not part of my squad,” Zidane emphasized. “If when he finishes his experience at United he wants to come here, why shouldn’t he come to Real Madrid? But especially Madrid, more than Zidane.”
Phone flirting
The Manchester Evening News (MEN) embellishes the story with a claim that Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, “has held two phone conversations with Real Madrid” over the midfielder’s future.
The MEN quotes Spanish newspaper Marca, which alleges that Raiola is actively courting Real with a view to a summer move to the Bernabeu.
As a result, a deal “seems to be on the cards again”, a possibility that was ruled out earlier in the season because of financial constraints.
Real know they would have to pay well in excess of €100m (£86m) for the 26-year-old Pogba, but the board is also conscious that they need a big-name player to boost morale after the disaster of this season.
The MEN said: “Pogba’s wages can be taken on by Madrid due to his profile as a player, both in a sporting and commercial sense.”
Pogba out, Bale or Kroos in?
If Pogba leaves this summer United could demand a Real Madrid player as part of any potential deal.
The Daily Express, via Spanish newspaper AS, reports that the Red Devils may seek either Welsh forward Gareth Bale or German midfielder Toni Kroos in part-exchange for Pogba.
Bale has been linked with a move away from the Spanish capital, to United or back to Tottenham, but talks or reports that his future will be decided at the end of the season.
Griezmann says ‘non’
There’s more bad news in the Manchester Evening News with a report claiming that Antoine Griezmann has told Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone that he will be staying.
Rumours had suggested that Man Utd were exploring the possibility of signing the Frenchman in the event Pogba heads to Real, but apparently he’s decided to remain loyal to Atletico.
Spanish outlet AS says that Griezmann has informed Simeone of his intention because “he believes he can win trophies under him”.
Ole eyes Wan-Bissaka
The Daily Mail reports that new United full-time manager Solskjaer is preparing a summer bid for Crystal Palace right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Wan-Bissaka, 21, is being lined up as a replacement for Antonio Valencia and could cost around £35m. United’s rivals Manchester City are also interested.
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