Pogba price prompts Madrid to move for midfield alternative

Real Madrid chiefs have reportedly given up on signing Paul Pogba this summer – but Zinedine Zidane isn’t happy about it.

Zidane is a huge admirer of his compatriot Pogba, who has been linked with a move away from Manchester United this summer.

However, United won’t let him leave for less than a nine-figure sum, with some reports claiming he is valued as highly as £150m.

That asking price, according to Marca, has convinced Real Madrid officials to abandon their pursuit and consider alternatives.

The Spanish paper claims that Madrid are now interested in Ajax midfielder Donny Van De Beek, who at £54m is a much cheaper solution – and is also ahead of Spurs’ Christian Eriksen on their wishlist.

Zidane, however, would still rather sign Pogba, and is prepared to play a waiting game until the two clubs come to an agreement.

Marca warn that Pogba is unlikely to leave Man Utd though; even if they sign Bruno Fernandes and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, they will maintain their demand for £150m.

Besides, Madrid will not be able to make any new signings until they can offload James Rodriguez and Gareth Bale.

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