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Paul Pogba's dream transfer to Real Madrid could be in jeopardy after the club's midfield plans came to light on Friday. Pogba is set to leave Manchester United on a free transfer this summer, six years after re-joining the club from Juventus for a then-world-record £89million.
The 28-year-old midfielder's current United contract expires in June, and there has been little progress in extension talks.
There have been last-ditch attempts to keep him at the club, including officials asking him to delay signing a pre-contract agreement elsewhere until they decide on their next permanent manager.
But Pogba has made his stance clear and wants to end his second stint at Old Trafford, with Real his preferred destination.
A recent update on Luka Modric's future could be bad news for the France international's dream switch, though.
Paul Pogba could join Real Madrid on a free transfer in July. (Image: GETTY)
Marca report Modric's contract expires this summer, like Pogba's, but the club are set to offer him a one-year extension.
The midfield trio of Casemiro, Modric and Toni Kroos has been inseparable for almost a decade.
And if all three remain at the Bernabeu, it could lump game time concerns on Pogba, who will want to be an untouchable figure wherever he moves.
Marca claim Isco will likely be released along with Marcelo and Gareth Bale this summer, but Modric's stay could still place Pogba fourth in the midfield pecking order.
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Many supporters presumed the United midfielder would arrive in Spain next season and be Modric's natural successor.
The Ballon d'Or winner is now 36 and in his twilight years, so Pogba's impending arrival poses as a suitable time to part ways with Real.
But if he remains in Carlo Ancelotti's squad, it will be hard for the Italian to separate a midfield trio that has brought Los Blancos so much success in recent years.
Luka Modric is set to sign a one-year contract extension. (Image: GETTY)