Mino Raiola confirms Real Madrid have begun transfer negotiations for Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba is reportedly closing in on a move to Real Madrid according to his agent, Mino Raiola. The Frenchman has been in splendid form for Juventus ever since signing from Manchester United on a free and continues to show his prowess in the ongoing UEFA European Championships with France.
Real Madrid are on the lookout for a solid midfielder after having failed to replace Spanish maestro, Xabi Alonso, who moved to Bayern Munich last summer. Paul Pogba is one of the most valuable players in world football right now and is angling for a move away from Juventus after winning the Serie A title four years in a row. The dynamic midfielder is valued at around €140 million by Juventus – a sum Real Madrid are reportedly ready to match.
Speaking to Spanish news publication, Marca, Pogba's agent Raiola said, "We are in the initial phase of negotiations."
"Pogba admires Real Madrid and Zinedine Zidane and that will be very important when making his decision."
Earlier this summer, Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez, and first-team manager, Zinedine Zidane, confirmed that Pogba was one of the players they were looking into and one that they could make a move for later on in the window.
Speaking on Pogba, Zidane said, "He is a great player, every team would want to have him. But he is a Juventus player and we have to respect that."
The Real Madrid President, Perez, added, "(Pogba) is a great player, but in midfield we have six great players, so I would not want to discuss speculation.
"While he excites me, it is difficult to reach agreements if there are no termination clauses. If a player such as him is available, we may go for him, but would have to reach an agreement."
Pogba had another outstanding season with the Turin club this season scoring ten goals and assisting a further fourteen more. His play and composure at the centre of the park is vital to how his team convert defence into attack and vice versa.
While Juventus will lose perhaps one of their best midfielders, the capital that comes with the sale of the player could greatly help in them ensuring they find a suitable replacement. The likes of Geoffrey Kondogbia, Toni Kroos and Isco have all been linked.