A wink from Zidane
Zinedine Zidane has “added to the uncertainty surrounding Paul Pogba’s future” by emphasising how highly he regards his French compatriot, according to reports.
Last week, Pogba spoke highly of Real Madrid head coach Zidane when asked how he felt about his return to the Spanish side - and it seems that a mutual love-in is in progress, which will only fuel speculation that the French World Cup winner will quit Old Trafford, says The Sunday Times.
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Asked for his opinion of Pogba at a press conference at the weekend, Zidane said: “I like Pogba a lot and it’s not new. I know him personally. He is different. He contributes what few can do. He knows how to attack and defend. He knows how to do everything on the pitch.”
Door always open
Although Pogba still has two years on his contract, Real are expected to make him their No. 1 summer transfer target as they look to replenish their squad following a disappointing season.
Zidane was careful not to tread on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s toes, but his words will nonetheless be seen as a flirt.
“He’s not part of my squad,” Zidane emphasised. “If when he finishes his experience at United he wants to come here, why shouldn’t he come to Real Madrid? But especially Madrid, more than Zidane.”
Phone flirting
Meanwhile, the Manchester Evening News (MEN) claims that Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, “has held two phone conversations with Real Madrid” over the midfielder’s future.
The newspaper quotes Spanish publication Marca, which alleges that a summer move to the Bernabeu “seems to be on the cards again” - a possibility that was ruled out earlier in the season because of financial constraints.
Real know they would have to pay well in excess of €100m (£86m) for 26-year-old Pogba, but the board are also conscious that they need a big-name player to boost morale after the disaster of this season.
The MEN said: “Pogba’s wages can be taken on by Madrid due to his profile as a player, both in a sporting and commercial sense.”
Pogba out, Bale or Kroos in?
If Pogba leaves this summer, United could demand a Real Madrid player as part of any potential deal.
The Daily Express reports that the Red Devils may seek either Welsh forward Gareth Bale or German midfielder Toni Kroos in part-exchange for Pogba.
Bale has been linked with a move away from the Spanish capital, to United or back to Tottenham, but talkSPORT reports that his future will be decided at the end of the season.
Griezmann says ‘non’
There’s more bad news for United fans in the Manchester Evening News, which claims Antoine Griezmann has told Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone that he will be staying and that “he believes he can win trophies under him”.
It had been rumoured that the Red Devils were exploring the possibility of signing the Frenchman in the event Pogba that heads to Real, but it seems Griezmann’s decided to remain loyal to Atletico.
Ole eyes Wan-Bissaka
The Daily Mail reports that new United full-time manager Solskjaer is preparing a summer bid for Crystal Palace right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Wan-Bissaka, 21, is being lined up as a replacement for Antonio Valencia and could cost around £35m. United’s rivals Manchester City are also interested.
Premier League results, midweek fixtures and TV guide
Weekend results
- Fulham 0 Manchester City 2
- Brighton and Hove Albion 0 Southampton 1
- Burnley 2 Wolverhampton Wanderers 0
- Crystal Palace 1 Huddersfield Town 0
- Leicester City 2 AFC Bournemouth 0
- Manchester United 2 Watford 1
- West Ham United 0 Everton 2
- Cardiff City 1 Chelsea 2
- Liverpool 2 Tottenham Hotspur 1
Monday 1 April
- Arsenal vs. Newcastle United (8pm, live on Sky Sports)
Tuesday 2 April
- Watford vs. Fulham (7.45pm)
- Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Manchester United (7.45pm, live on Sky Sports)
Wednesday 3 April
- Chelsea vs. Brighton and Hove Albion (7.45pm)
- Manchester City vs. Cardiff City (7.45pm, live on Sky Sports)
- Tottenham Hotspur vs. Crystal Palace (7.45pm)
Friday 5 April
- Southampton vs. Liverpool (8pm, live on Sky Sports)
Saturday 6 April
- AFC Bournemouth vs. Burnley (3pm)
- Huddersfield Town vs. Leicester City (3pm)
- Newcastle United vs. Crystal Palace (3pm)
Sunday 7 April
- Everton vs. Arsenal (2.05pm, live on Sky Sports)
Monday 8 April
- Chelsea vs. West Ham United (8pm, live on Sky Sports)
FA Cup semi-final fixtures
Saturday 6 April
- Manchester City vs. Brighton and Hove Albion (5.30pm, live on BBC One)
Sunday 7 April
- Watford vs. Wolves (4pm, live on BT Sport)
