MANCHESTER UNITED are set to block any attempt from Paul Pogba to seal a January transfer to Real Madrid, according to reports.
Friday’s edition of French outlet L’Equipe claims the Red Devils will refuse to let the World Cup Winning midfielder up sticks and leave midway through the season.
L’Equipe claim Real Madrid have been dealt a blow by Manchester United’s refusal to let Paul Pogba leave in January
The report adds that United’s stance is a huge blow to Zinedine Zidan’s plans, who has already been at loggerheads with his own board over his bid to land his compatriot.
The Los Blancos boss was pictured in deep conversation with Pogba when they were both on holiday in Dubai in October and Marca claimed he was desperate to complete the move next month.
Real president Florentino Perez is thought to be chasing a cut-price deal for Spurs star Cristian Eriksen while Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek has also been listed as an option.
Pogba, meanwhile, has been out of action for United since the 1-1 draw with Arsenal in September with a persistent foot problem.
There have been suggestions the 26-year-old has not been rushing back in fear of jeopardising a potential move to Spain by aggravating his injury.
Yet boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer leapt to his star’s defence recently by saying nobody should question Pogba’s desire to be fit again and playing for United.
He said: “Every player is allowed to be injured. Paul is working hard to get back and nobody can doubt his professionalism or his willingness to play football.
“He is one of the best midfielders in the world, we have missed him. It will be like signing a new player before the transfer window opens.
“He has been missed while he has been away and of course it is a boost getting him back.”
Pogba himself took to social media to quash speculation that he is not injured by uploading an Instagram video of him on the treatment table with strapping around his ankle.
Man Utd star Paul Pogba hits back at claims he is faking injury to force transfer by uploading video of strapped ankle
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
