Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has ruled out the sale of Paul Pogba this January amid interest from Real Madrid.
It comes on the same day that the player’s agent Mino Raiola also said that the France international was happy to stay at the English giants.
The 26-year-old has long been linked with a move to Real Madrid with his compatriot Zidane said to be a big admirer of his ability.
The central midfielder has long been linked with a move to Real Madrid with his compatriot Zidane said to be a big admirer of his ability.
The French international’s contract at Old Trafford expires in June 2021 and with less than two years remaining, it is now entering a critical stage.
Pogba – who has not played since September – could leave for free that summer or his transfer valuation could be significantly reduced next summer if a new agreement has still not been reached.
“He is not being sold in January,” Solskjaer told reporters on Friday.
“I hope he will play before the end of the year, but I am not going to push him. I can't risk any setbacks or injuries.”
Meanwhile, the player’s agent Raiola has told the Telegraph: “Paul wants to be successful and happy and wants to win prizes and he would love to do that with Manchester United.
“Okay there was big interest from Real Madrid and Manchester didn't let him go. We didn't make a fuss about it and he didn't make a fuss about it because I work in accordance with the player.”
A report in El Mundo Deportivo earlier this month said that despite Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane insisting on his signature, club president Florentino Perez would not sanction a bid in excess of €50m.
That followed a report in ESPN which highlighted how club president Perez and senior officials are not keen on a move for the Frenchman – whose valuation they view as excessive – and would prefer to pursue other midfield targets.
