Real Madrid have made Paul Pogba their primary target for the remainder of the summer transfer window, ahead of Christian Eriksen.
Los Blancos had shown significant interest in the Tottenham star but have decided to forego a move for the Dane in favour of trying to snap up Pogba, of whom Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane is a huge fan.
They will, however, bide their time in pursuit of the World Cup winner as they look to make room in their squad, and on their balance sheet, for the Manchester United midfielder.
Pogba admitted on Sunday that he is ready to end his three-year second stint at Old Trafford, telling reporters at a sponsor’s event in Tokyo: “After this season and everything that happened, with my season being my best season, it could be a good time to have a new challenge somewhere else.”
That statement by the former Juventus midfielder caught the attention not just of Madrid but also of the Bianconeri.
Sporting director Fabio Paratici also confirmed that Juve still admire the player as he spoke at Maurizio Sarri’s unveiling as the club’s new head coach on Thursday: “Pogba is a top player and we love him, for sure.”
It is the Spanish giants, though, who remain the huge favourites to sign Pogba and the player is now waiting on the 33-time Liga champions to make their move.
However, having already spent around £300 million ($380m) on Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic, Rodrygo Gomes, Eder Militao and Ferland Mendy, Madrid are now set to focus their attention on sales before stepping up their bid to bring Pogba to the Bernabeu.