Real Madrid and Manchester United could be involved in transfer business this summer.
Real Madrid have reportedly told Paul Pogba to wind down his Manchester United contract with the view of joining the club on a free transfer in 2022. Pogba has entered the final 12 months of his current deal at Old Trafford and talks have not progressed with regards to a renewal. This comes as United plot a deal to sign Real centre-back Raphael Varane.
Pogba has long been linked with a move to Madrid but a deal has never materialised.
Real's financial difficulties in recent seasons, which have been worsened by the coronavirus pandemic, have restricted their ability to splash out on the likes of the France international.
Pogba has often spoken of his desire for Real, as well as their former boss Zinedine Zidane.
But it appears he will have to wait another year before he has the chance of pulling on the famous Los Blancos shirt.
Speaking on Reach PLC's Transfer Window podcast, Duncan Castles says Real have advised Pogba that they will not be able to afford him in this window.
Pogba has been told to see out his United deal before potentially moving to the Spanish capital next year.
"The advice from Madrid has been, I understand, that he should wait and run down his contract at Manchester United and be available on a free transfer in a year's time," Castles said.
"Why? Because this summer they do not have the resources to buy him from Manchester United, because they're focusing on Kylian Mbappe."
"But in a year's time there should be more money available, if you take the transfer fee out of the equation, if you take the requirement to negotiate with Manchester United out of the equation, it becomes an easier deal to do."
Meanwhile, Spanish outlet ABC Sports claims United have agreed personal terms with Pogba's international team-mate Varane.
Varane is United's top defensive target this summer and he will reportedly get paid £10m per season if he moves to Old Trafford.
Elsewhere, former England winger Andros Townsend believes the signing of West Ham star Declan Rice could help get the best out of Pogba at United.
Rice is linked with both Chelsea and United but Townsend says the Red Devils is the best place for the Three Lions star.
"Manchester United's a different kettle of fish [to Chelsea]," Townsend said on talkSPORT.
"We go back to Pogba, looking at Pogba in the Euros with [N'Golo] Kante doing his running for him and Pogba having the licence to get on the ball and spray passes left, right and centre."
"He would need another player like that next to him, so that's a different kettle of fish altogether."