Pogba price tag laid down, but Real Madrid transfer has stumbling block

Paul Pogba is “very keen” to push through a move to Real Madrid this summer, but Real are not prepared to match his Manchester United salary, claim reports.

Both ESPN and The Independent carry Pogba stories with both reports claiming Pogba is keen to quit Old Trafford this summer, despite the arrival of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Solskjaer is keen to build a team around the World Cup winner and last week publicly claimed that “I think Paul will be here” when asked about the 26-year-old’s future at Friday’s news conference.

Pogba though is understood to be unhappy about United’s inability to challenge for honours and “wants out” this summer.

ESPN’s take meanwhile is that their sources believe “that some of Pogba’s club teammates expect him to push for a move this summer if United fail to qualify for the Champions League”.

The Independent also claim that United’s resolve to keep Pogba may well be swayed if Madrid offer £130million for the midfielder.

ESPN though claim that even an offer acceptable to United may not see a transfer to the Bernabeu happen with Real apparently unwilling to match is £290,000 a week wages.

Over the weekend AS reported that Real had agreed to pay Pogba £10.3million-a-year – around £192,000 a week with Pogba desperate to link up with Zinedine Zidane at the Bernabeu.

Pogba has been heavily criticised in the last month or so with Gary Neville labelling the player ‘disinterested’, while Robbie Savage named Pogba as the first player United should sell this summer

But it was the stinging critique from Roy Keane that drew the biggest response and also prompted the French media to ask Pogba for his thoughts.

Speaking to French outlet RMC Sport, Pogba said: “Criticism from British pundits? No worries. They are paid to say things in front of the camera.

“I’m just on the pitch. They can say what they want, they are paid for it. I’m not paid to talk. I get paid to be on the field and fight for my team. That’s all.”