Real Madrid representatives have begun talks with their Manchester United counterparts over a potential deal for Paul Pobga, according to UK newspaper The Independent.
While United would prefer to keep the French midfielder, a number of factors have prompted the club to open up to the idea of selling him. And The Independent reports that the Red Devils will demand more than 170 million euros for the 26-year-old, a figure which Madrid will unlikely be willing to pay for a player whose current market value is 90 million euros (transfermarkt.com valuation)
Aside from Manchester United’s inflated price-tag, Paul Pogba’s excessive wage demands may also complicate his move to Real Madrid. According to The Independent, Pogba wants to become the highest-paid player in the world, with a salary in the region of £500,000 (575,000 euros).
With Madrid not in a position to pay €170 million for Pogba, particularly on top of his wage demands, the Spanish club hoped they could secure a player-plus-cash deal which would include Toni Kroos or Gareth Bale. But the Red Devils are not interested in either player, according to The Independent, which further complicates the operation.
As it stands, Pogba is determined to make the move to the Bernabeu, where coach Zinedine Zidane is equally determined to welcome him, as the French coach looks to rebuild the new squad for next season, which looks likely to include Chelsea star Eden Hazard.