Manchester United need to up the ante if they are to secure the signing of Paul Pogba, with the player’s agent confirming initial talks have been held with Real Madrid.
United have been linked with a bid for their former midfielder, but the Juventus superstar could now be heading to the Bernabeu.
According to the Mirror, Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola has been speaking to Madrid bosses about a potential world record transfer that would smash the current highest fee of £85million, which Real paid Tottenham for Gareth Bale three years ago.
He is also asking for wages of over £350,000 a week for the Frenchman, so it is undoubtedly going to be one of Europe’s mega-rich clubs that sign him.
United may be gawking at that price tag, but may regret it if they don’t splash out – just as they have been regretting selling him in the first place, particularly without a buy-back clause.
Madrid are also interested in Pogba’s France team-mate N’golo Kante, but it’s not yet clear what they would have to pay Leicester to acquire his services.
One thing’s for sure, Real are going out of their way to ensure they don’t let Barcelona slip away with the title again next year.
They are already European champions, which of course also helps them to attract players over say, United, who cannot even offer Pogba Champions League football next season.
That is going to cost United dear, even if it’s a sacrifice Zlatan Ibrahimovic is willing to make, as many will not.
Check out Football Advisor for profitable betting predictions
