REAL MADRID have reportedly told Paul Pogba they will NOT be making a move for him January.
Marca claims the rise of youngster Federico Valverde has put an end to Zinedine Zidane’s pursuit for the time being.
Real Madrid will not be moving for Man Utd misfit Paul Pogba next monthCredit: AFP
Real wanted to land Pogba from Manchester United last summer.
But the two clubs could not agree on terms, forcing Zidane to turn to Valverde instead.
The Uruguay international, 21, joined Real in 2016 and impressed in 25 appearances last season.
However, Zidane decided to hand Valverde a starting role this term in place of Luka Modric.
And the youngster has been one of Real’s stand-out players, already featuring 17 times and helping Los Blancos to joint-top of La Liga.
Valverde’s incredible rise means Zidane is no longer interested in signing Pogba this winter.
However, Modric turned 34 in September and could be in his season at the Bernabeu.
Pogba also has just 18 months to run on his Old Trafford contract.
And Real are likely to return for the World Cup winner in the summer with a new offer.
But the report adds United will still demand at least £85m for Pogba’s signature.
And they could even be prepared to hold onto him until his contract expires, with finances not an issue at the Theatre of Dreams.
Real feel they are covered in midfield thanks to the rise of Fede ValverdeCredit: Getty
Man Utd academy standard a ‘joke’ and Paul Pogba is too good to keep up with, claims ex-graduate and Watford ace Callum Whelan
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
