Manchester United target Paul Pogba in talks with Real Madrid, his agent confirms
Frenchman's agent Mino Raiola reveals midfield superstar close to leaving Juventus this summer but will command world-record fee
PAUL POGBA has moved a step closer to joining Real Madrid after his agent revealed the star’s admiration for the club and manager, Zinedine Zidane.
The 23-year-old Frenchman, who has been the subject of interest from Barcelona, Man City, Chelsea and in particular Manchester United, has been at Juventus since 2012 — and won the Serie A title in each of his four seasons in Italy.
However, the European champions appear to be firmly at the front of the queue after super-agent, Mino Raiola, admitted Pogba’s fondness for fellow countryman Zidane could be key as talks between the two parties are ongoing.
He said: “We are in the first stage of the negotiations.
“Paul admirers Real Madrid and Zinedine Zidane and that will obviously be important towards his decision.”
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Raiola also suggested it will take a world-record fee to prise Pogba away from Turin.
He added: “£95million? £110m? Paul is worth whatever a club is willing to pay for him.”
New United boss, Jose Mourinho, is a big admirer of Pogba but faces several stumbling blocks in his bid to bring the midfielder back to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils will not play in the Champions League next season, having finished the previous campaign in fifth place, under Louis van Gaal.
While the France international also has previous with United and may be unwilling to return to the club.
Pogba — who is currently away with his country on Euro 2016 duty — moved to Old Trafford a youth team player, in 2009, and won the Youth Cup title two seasons later.
The 2011-12 season was billed as the Frenchman’s breakthrough, with then boss Sir Alex Ferguson turning to youth as Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley broke into the first team, while David de Gea, then 20, and Phil Jones, then 19, were signed and thrown straight into the first team.
However, Pogba’s opportunities were severely limited and he made just seven appearances as United surrendered the Premier League title to neighbours, City.
He joined Italian champions, Juventus that summer, and became an integral part in the team which has since dominated on the domestic scene — having won the title in every season he has been there.