‘Zidane wants Pogba at Madrid’

Zinedine Zidane has reportedly asked Real Madrid to add to his midfield options for next season and Juventus’ Paul Pogba is on the agenda.

Madrid are said by Marca to want a big signing for the summer but could face competition from Manchester City and Barcelona.

Zidane is said to be eager to ease the burden on Toni Kroos and Luka Modric as they are his only two central midfielders.

Madrid feel they could get Pogba for €80m despite having been quoted €120m a year ago. The fee soon dropped to €100m and Madrid believe it’ll be lower again this summer, though Pogba would still command a significant wage.

Midfield wasn’t a priority area for Zidane’s predecessor Rafa Benitez, so the club didn’t pursue the operation in 2015.

Pogba has hinted he wants to play for Barca but Barca appear to be going cold on the idea and if Pogba can’t play with Lionel Messi, he might prefer to play under Zidane, Marca claim.

But Madrid don’t have a good relationship with Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, who has criticised the club in the past, complaining they ‘buy and sell players like bath towels.’

However Raiola and Guardiola haven’t always seen eye-to-eye either, which could get in the way of a move to City.

Pogba’s Juve contract runs to 2019 and calls for a €4m-a-year salary, and he would want €12m from his new club.

Tags Juventus Paul Pogba Zinedine Zidane
La Liga - Club News