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Man Utd star Paul Pogba ‘well advanced’ in Real Madrid talks - French reporter drops claim
MANCHESTER UNITED star Paul Pogba is “well advanced” in talks to join Real Madrid this summer.
Man United: Pogba needs to ‘catch Madrid’s eye’ says Neville
That is according to French journalist Frederic Calenge.
Pogba has been linked with Real Madrid intensely after he said it would be any player’s dream to pull on the white jersey.
The United midfielder was one of many players criticised but not named by Gary Neville after Manchester United’s shocking 4-0 loss to Everton on Sunday, after which the squad’s mentality was questioned.
And now Calenge has claimed on French TV channel Telefoot that talks between Los Blancos and the midfielder are “well advanced”.
He also said the transfer fee being discussed is £130million (€150m).
The reporter specialises in transfer scoops and has strong contacts with the French national team.
Pogba is contracted at Old Trafford until June 2021 with the club wielding an option to trigger a one-year extension.
The 26-year-old earns £290,000-a-week, but is unlikely to garner that pay packet if he flees to the Bernabeu.
Marca reported earlier this week that Real Madrid will not be willing to match those wages.
The Spanish newspaper claimed the club, rejuvenated by the return of Zinedine Zidane, are open to signing Galacticos but only if the player "fits".
The article said Sergio Ramos will remain the club's highest earner on £200,000 a week.
Man United: Pogba needs 'football intelligence' says pundit
That in itself is a point of contention, however, as, without bonuses, several media outlets claim Gareth Bale takes home a weekly £350,000.
Pogba has enjoyed his best season at United since returning to the club, largely thanks to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s arrival, but is once again showing signs of apathy, as he did under Jose Mourinho.
After 15 goal involvements in his returning 51-game season, Pogba upped it to 18 in 37 last campaign, and has so far improved on that with 16 goals and 11 assists in 43 appearances this term.