Real Madrid have ended their pursuit to sign Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, leaving Manchester United as strong favorites to bring the Frenchman back to the Theatre of Dreams.
Sky Sports report that the Spanish giants have conceded defeat in their chase to sign the 23-year-old as Real believe they can not outbid the Premier League giants, given their financial strength in the transfer market.
BREAKING: Sky sources: Real Madrid end their interest in signing Paul Pogba: https://t.co/Cw8RE9cJ6x https://t.co/qjTc7ISQvC
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 10, 2016
It remains no secret that only a world record transfer fee will persuade Juventus to sell Pogba with several sources reporting that an offer over £85 million (€100 million) might be enough to acquire the dynamic midfielder’s services this summer.
Pogba left Man Utd for free in 2012 after growing frustrated of lack of first team football under Sir Alex Ferguson but has since established himself as one of the best midfielders in world football after joining the Serie A club.
Real Madrid were thought to be favorites to sign the France International but reputed Spanish journalist Guillem Balague claimed this week that the Old Trafford outfit has already agreed personal terms for Pogba’s potential second inning at the club.
Sky Sports insist that Pogba’s transfer from Juventus could cost beyond £105 million (€123 million), after taking into account the add-ons, bonuses related to the success of the player and the club and his agent Mino Raiola’s fee, which Real Madrid feel is in excess of their financial capability.
While, the midfielder’s salary after his proposed move is expected to be around £250,000 per week, meaning the intended suitors will have to pay over £65 million for Pogba’s salary provided he signs a five-year contract.
Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola, who also represents new Man Utd signings Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitariyan, has been in constant contact with the Premier League club all summer and is said to be the key for the Red Devils in this transfer saga.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, are now reported to table a £42 million bid to sign Valencia’s midfielder Andre Gomes after failing to lure Pogba to the Spanish capital this summer.
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