Real Madrid have decided against pursuing a move for Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba due to concerns about his salary, claim reports in Spain.
Madrid has been touted as one of the two most likely destinations should Pogba leave Old Trafford (the other being a return to Juventus), due to compatriot Zinedine Zidane’s fondness for him.
If Pogba were to leave Man Utd, it would only be for one of the wealthiest clubs in the world – but it appears even Madrid have been outpriced by his demands.
According to Marca, even if Pogba is willing to negotiate, the La Liga giants are not prepared to meet his salary demands – favouring using the funds for a future bid for Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Braut Haaland – and have therefore put their interest to one side.
Real’s preferred midfield alternative is also a French player based in the Premier League, as Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante is named as a slightly cheaper target – along with Rennes starlet Eduardo Camavinga, who is attracting interest from England as well.
Madrid’s decision leaves Juventus as the only remaining contenders for Pogba’s signature, although they too have raised questions over how much it would be worth matching the wages he currently earns at Old Trafford.
Therefore, Pogba may end up staying at United after all – especially after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed that he expects the Frenchman to form a strong partnership with recent acquisition Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford.
“Good players can always play together, so definitely, they can – it’s a big yes,” the manager told Sky Sports‘ ‘The Football Show’ when asked about the possibility of Pogba and Fernandes playing together.
“I think it’s exciting, we do have an exciting squad. I’ve got Scott [McTominay], Fred, Nemanja [Matic] .There’s many games coming up and I’m sure we can find a good connection between them.”
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Samuel Bannister
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