Real Madrid Transfer Rumour: Nemanja Matic and Marco Verratti emerge as Paul Pogba alternatives

Marco Veratti has become one of the exciting midfielders in the past few years

Real Madrid have reportedly contacted Chelsea over a possible £38 million move for Nemanja Matic claims Sport. A ton of transfers had been held up because of questions over Paul Pogba’s future. Now that reports claim that Manchester United will iron out the transfer details in the next 24 hours, Real Madrid seem to have lost their chance to sign the Frenchman as they aren’t willing to match the mammoth sum that United is willing to pay.

Zinedine Zidane, who is believed to be a big admirer of Pogba, is now looking for alternatives in the likes of Nemanja Matic. The Spanish club believes that it may be able to pry away the Serbian from Chelsea given his dismal form for the Blues last season.

On his day, Matic is one of the best midfielders in Europe and could shine in the slow-paced game of La Liga. The Serbian would be looking to push for a move away from Stamford Bridge due to the arrival of N’Golo Kante from Leicester City. Antonio Conte could let the Serbian tank leave if Real Madrid are willing to shell out the right price. 

Marco Verratti is also one of the midfielders on Zidane’s list. Verratti missed out on the UEFA Euro 2016 due to an injury but has been a vital player for the French champions over the last two campaigns. The 23-year-old PSG star is one of the hottest young talents in Europe and would fit well in Real Madrid if the move materializes. 

Reports claim that a ‘massive bid’ is what will be required to lure the Italian away from Paris, as they aren’t willing to let go of him that easily.

Recent reports also claim that Verratti is smitten by interest from Zidane but is not looking for a move away just as yet as he wants to win the Champions League with PSG.

Anyone who’s followed the football transfer window for even a week knows that claims such as this are indicators surely, but nevertheless, not chiseled in stone. Verratti in a Real Madrid shirt can still happen. 

Reports of Moussa Sissoko on Zidane’s list have also surfaced but not in the same numbers as those for the previous two. So, to believe the English press reports, Real Madrid have an offer locked up in a briefcase somewhere for Rafa Benitez’s star man, Moussa Sissoko. But it feels a little heavy handed to see Sissoko go to Real Madrid from a Championship team.

Reports further assert that the offer will be sent the second Manchester United and Juventus announce the Pogba transfer.

Sissoko hasn’t been shy about telling the world of his intention to leave the relegated club. Inevitably, the Spaniard coach will be looking to get the best deal out of it. Sissoko failed to make any conspicuous impact last season, maybe due to an overall underperformance by Newcastle. However, he was quick to quiet his critics after his performance at the Euro Championships for France.