Real Madrid have been handed a major boost in pursuit of French midfielder Paul Pogba, who is ready to run down his Manchester United contract.
According an exclusive report by Daily Star, Manchester United continue to be in a precarious situation over the future of Paul Pogba. The French midfielder is ready to play out the final year of his contract at Old Trafford before joining Real Madrid in next summer’s transfer window.
Pogba is currently in his second coming at Manchester United, having returned to the club from Juventus in the summer of 2016. Over the last half a decade, the French international has been on a roller-coaster of a ride at the Premier League club, going from being a talisman one season to having a run-in with a manager the next.
Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Pogba has been one of Manchester United’s best performers, as was also visible during their 5-1 win over Leeds United this past weekend. However, even as he continues to be a pivotal player for the Red Devils, his future at Old Trafford remains uncertain, after having entered the final year of his contract. This comes as good news for Real Madrid.
Real Madrid hold a long-standing interest in Pogba, which stretches back to before he returned to Manchester United. Pogba, too, has reacted favourably to the interest from Los Blancos, claiming that it is his dream to play for the Spanish giants. So, the news that the French midfielder wishes to run down his Manchester United contract to join them will certainly appeal to the Merengues.
Real Madrid are in need of signing a midfielder as well, considering Luka Modric is in the twilight of his career. While laying down a succession plan for the veteran Croat is imperative despite his stellar performances, it is also important to note that Toni Kroos is on the wrong side of 30 while the likes of Isco, Dani Ceballos and Martin Odegaard face an uncertain future at the club.
To that end, Pogba is a viable target for Real Madrid, who could well face some competition from PSG as well, considering the French heavyweights tried to sign the Manchester United midfielder this summer before ceding their pursuit in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are desperate to keep hold of the 28-year-old, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer previously suggesting that he has held positive talks with his star midfielder while also having a positive effect on him ahead of the Leeds game. However, with the player intent on running down his contract at Old Trafford, it remains to be seen his he can realise his Real Madrid dream next summer.