Pogba prefers Juventus move over Real Madrid
Manchester United's star midfielder is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer and his preference is now Juventus over Real Madrid, according to reports in Italy.
Paul Pogba has previously said that playing for “Real Madrid is a dream for anyone”. The Manchester United midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to the Spanish capital, where coach Zinedine Zidane has already said he would welcome him with open arms.
But the 26-year-old would now prefer a return to Juventus over a move to the Santiago Bernabéu, according to Sky Sports Italy.
Juventus, who sold Pogba to Manchester United for 105 million euros back in 2016, are keen to bring him back to Turin to become a key figure of the new project under incoming coach Maurizio Sarri.
And Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the Serie A champions are willing to throw in Brazilian winger Douglas Costa as part of any deal for Pogba, for whom United are understood to value at more than £150 million.
Pogba calls time for a new challenge
The French midfielder has a contract at Old Trafford until 2021 and United are keen to hold onto him. But the player himself is understood to be ready to move on after three seasons at the club – even going as far as to say that “It could be a good time to have a new challenge somewhere else”, in an interview in Tokyo last Sunday.
Whether that challenge will be in Turin or Madrid is still yet unknown. Although, if Sky Sports Italy’s reports are to be believed, Juventus are now the frontrunners to sign him, which may not come as a huge loss to Real Madrid, who have already secured the signings of Eden Hazard, Ferland Mendy and Luka Jovic this summer.
Juventus fans send clear message to Pogba
Pogba is understood to be a major priority for Madrid coach Zidane, but not so much for the club itself, the president or large contigent of its fans.
Juventus fans, on the other hand, seem much more excited by the prospect of signing the Frenchman, who is currently in the Far East on a promotional tour.
Earlier on Wednesday, the star footballer posted a video capturing some of his marketing activities in Japan to his Instagram account. And the video has garnered several comments from Juventus fans, who gave a clear message that they want “Pogback”.