Reports: Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane targeting Paul Pogba, Robert Lewandowski and David De Gea
Zinedine Zidane has had a very successful start to his career as Real Madrid manager but he is not resting on his laurels. According to latest reports from AS, the Frenchman has a huge shopping list for the summer with some of the game’s biggest names on his wish list.
First priority for Zidane is an alternative to Brazil left-back Marcelo. With David Alaba not for sale, Wolfsburg’s Ricardo Rodriguez is a viable alternative with the player’s father confirming that Rodriguez is keen on a move to Real Madrid.
His father José Manuel Rodríguez had this to say: "My son wants to go to a bigger club, he wants to make a career at a bigger club and Spain would be a great option. Maybe in time he'll make his way to Real Madrid, he'd be happy there", on Spanish radio station Cadena Cope.
Zidane’s favourite player on this list is Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba. Zidane is reportedly a huge admirer of the young Frenchman and he even praised him in a recent press conference:
"he's a great player, every team wants him, but he's a Juve player and we have to wait". With the future of Kroos, Isco and James in doubt, the signing of Pogba would be a real sign of intent from Zidane and Florentino Perez. However, should Pogba prove to be too costly, alternatives like Kante and Verratti are also being considered.
Although Zidane is very happy with Karim Benzema, he is reported to be interested in getting one more world class striker with Bundesliga stars Robert Lewandowski and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang high on his wish list. With Morata most likely to be sold to another club, a signing of the likes of Aubameyang or Lewandowski will really bolster the Real Madrid squad.
The Real Madrid manager remains keen on David De Gea and the Madrid board are currently keeping a tab on the goalkeeper’s situation.
Zidane has a plan and it is now upto Florentino Perez to fulfill his manager’s wishes.
James Rodriguez urged to reject Manchester United by Colombian legend Tino Asprilla
Earlier in May, a report from ESPN suggested that Rodriguez would join Manchester United, if he decides to leave Los Blancos in the summer transfer window. The Premier League giants were interested in landing him before he joined the Spanish giants and they could still be in the hunt for him.
However, Asprilla, who played in the Premier League for Newcastle United between 1996 and 1998 has advised his compatriot to refrain from joining United and instead impress Zidane at Real Madrid.
"If I were James, I would stay at Real Madrid, fighting for a place," Asprilla was quoted as saying by ESPN.
"If we look at it, Zidane's Madrid had good stats, they cut the gap to Barcelona and won the Champions League, but they did not convince the 'Madridista' fans. Madrid did not play well, and that is why James should play more. He has a lot of quality and could easily play in any position."
"At Real Madrid they have not realised that he is just 24, and has achieved many things so young.
"James' season was not so bad. For the little he played, he gave assists and scored some good goals. Then it depends on what Zidane wants next year. We all want James to be back to his best level and show his worth. I have no doubts about James' ability and commitment, he is still a young lad."