Real Madrid have privately accepted that signing Paul Pogba from Manchester United will be impossible and are now switching their attention to alternative targets.
The 26-year-old had featured high on Zinedine Zidane’s summer shortlist with the Real Madrid boss keen to strengthen his central midfield options, while Pogba himself was keen on the move.
Earlier this month, Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola claimed that the midfielder was ‘in the process of leaving the club’ this summer and at one stage it looked as though a departure was inevitable.
However, United have maintained throughout that they wanted to keep Pogba and slapped a prohibitive price tag of £150m on him in a bid to ward off interest from Real and Juventus.
According to Marca, Real are now willing to accept defeat in their pursuit of Pogba and Zidane, despite wanting to sign his French compatriot, understands the club’s position.
It now appears likely that Real will pursue cheaper alternatives to Pogba with Tottenham’s Christian Eriksen and Ajax youngster Donny van de Beek, both reportedly in their sights.
Ole Gunnar Solskajer has made no secret of his desire to retain Pogba next season, saying this week: ‘I’ve said many times about Paul that he’s a top, top boy and a great player and he’s never, ever been a problem.
‘If we get him playing again like he did when I came in, he will win you over.’
Despite speculation over his future, Pogba has featured in both of United’s pre-season matches in Australia during wins against Perth Glory and Leeds United, while Romelu Lukaku, another player linked with a move away, has not.
Pogba ranked top in United’s squad for both goals (13) and assists (nine) in the Premier League last season and is contracted to the club until 2021.
