Real Madrid Set to Offer Manchester United Two Players in Deal to Sign Paul Pogba
By Max Cooper
Real Madrid are set to launch a huge bid for Manchester United star Paul Pogba in the January transfer window, and the Spanish giants could offer two players as makeweights in the deal to land the French midfielder.
Pogba was linked with a move to Madrid last summer, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was adamant that the France international would remain in Manchester, and Los Blancos' interest faded.
The 26-year-old has remained firmly on the Spanish giants' radar however, and El Desmarque reports that Madrid will return for Pogba in January, and may offer Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez as part of the deal.
Bale and Rodriguez are not thought to be part of Madrid's future plans, despite featuring regularly for Zidane's team over the course of the season.
The French boss is willing to lose both players if it enables Pogba to make the move to the Spanish capital, and with United previously showing interest in the Madrid duo, the deal could suit both parties.
The Red Devils have suffered badly with injuries this season, and the club is under no illusion that they must strengthen their midfield options if they are to compete with the top sides in the league.
Pogba has only played in five Premier League matches for the Red Devils this season, and he is currently out of action due to an ankle injury. The former Juventus midfielder was an influential figure for his team last season however, scoring 13 goals in 35 league appearances.
Solskjaer's side have struggled in his absence this year, but a recent run of decent results has seen them climb to sixth in the table, eight points adrift of the Champions League spots. Man Utd travel to fierce rivals Manchester City on Saturday afternoon, as the visitors look to land a severe blow to their neighbours' title challenge.