Manchester United are reportedly keen to open contract talks with Paul Pogba, who is being pursued by Real Madrid this summer.
According to a report by London Evening Standard, Manchester United are looking to enter talks with Paul Pogba over a bumper new deal. The French midfielder has been heavily linked with Real Madrid in this summer’s transfer window, especially in the wake of his recent comments about wanting a new challenge.
Pogba has had a bittersweet return to Manchester United following four years with Juventus. While the Frenchman has arguably been the best player for the Premier League heavyweights over the last three years, his off-field issues have meant that he has never quite managed to completely endear himself to fans.
The player had also had issues with Jose Mourinho before the Portuguese manager’s dismissal last year. But, despite enjoying his most productive season till date in 2018-19, Pogba’s Manchester United future is up in the air following one of the Red Devils’ worst ever campaigns in the Premier League era.
Real Madrid have been linked the most heavily with the 26-year-old Manchester United talisman and the exit rumours have only gathered more steam after he admitted that the time is right for him to seek a new challenge, claims that have since been corroborated by his agent Mino Raiola.
Real Madrid have been hyperactive in the transfer market this summer, engaging in an overhaul of epic proportions. But, one area that remains unaddressed by Zinedine Zidane thus far is midfield.
The 2018-19 season showed that Luka Modric is fast approaching the end of his glittering career, while the consistent Toni Kroos too, showed signs of regression. With Dani Ceballos reported to be on his way to the Premier League, a move for a player like Pogba makes sense for Real Madrid.
However, widespread reports have suggested that Manchester United will do everything in their powers to stave off Real Madrid and keep hold of their star man. This stance has been evident in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s recent comments as well.
The Manchester United boss has consistently maintained that Pogba has been a top professional and iterated this week that the player can get his aforementioned challenge at Old Trafford as well, while also adding that the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner is in contention to become the next club captain.
Manchester United are now ready to take a decisive step in rebuffing the interest from Real Madrid, as they look to open contract talks with the French international. While details of the terms that could be on offer have not been revealed in the report, the initiation of talks are certainly a step in the right direction.
It now remains to be seen if Manchester United can take more positive steps in their bid to keep Paul Pogba at Old Trafford. And, as the talks progress, it will be interesting to see if the Frenchman decides to commit his future to his present club or if he remains determined to make his way to Real Madrid this summer.
