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Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane admits ‘every club’ wants Paul Pogba
Could Real Madrid still hijack Manchester United’s move for Paul Pogba?
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Over the last couple of weeks it had looked like Manchester United were in pole position to land Juventus star Paul Pogba. Indeed, their chief competitors for the Frenchman's signature, Real Madrid, had been reported by some to have lost interest in breaking their own transfer record to land the midfielder.
However, new comments by the Merengues boss Zinedine Zidane could suggest that the race is not yet a foregone conclusion, as he confirmed that “every club” wanted the “best players”:
“I am happy with the squad I have got and it’s difficult to improve on it,” Zidane said. “Do I like Pogba? Of course, he’s a very good player and every club wants the best players but right now he’s at Juve and we have a large squad already.”
The English press are reading the quote in a variety of ways: it could both be an expression of interest in Pogba, or indeed the opposite. However, we suspect that as large as Madrid’s squad is, they could find some room somewhere for one of the world’s very best midfielders. It seems telling that Zidane yet doesn’t wish to rule his side out of the running. The chase could well be on.
In the news
The FA have held talks with Steve Bruce over the vacant England position. (BBC)
West Ham’s Aaron Cresswell still reckons Sam Allardyce is the man for the job. (ESPNFC)
Barcelona youngsters Munir El Haddadi and Sergi Samper have signed extensions to 2019. (FC Barcelona)
Hull City’s midfield talent Moses Odubajo could miss the rest of the calendar year with injury. (Hull City AFC)
Torino have pulled off a double coup with the capture of Roma attackers Adem Ljajić and Iago Falque. (Football Italia)
The Belgian FA have opened up their managerial vacancy to online applicants. Top-level experience, sadly, is required. (RBFA)
You should be reading
Luke Ginnell’s dose of nostalgia in a look at Roy Hodgson’s time at Inter Milan. (These Football Times)
Andy Mitten’s ever-interesting analysis of the state of affairs at Manchester United. (ESPNFC)
Scott Salter’s piece on lower league data analysis. (IBWM)
From the rumor mill
Please don’t take anything in this section too seriously, for your own sanity.
Middlesbrough’s busy summer will continue with the capture of Álvaro Negredo. (Eurosport)
Real Madrid are getting closer to signing André Gomes from Valencia. (Football España)
Chelsea coach Antonio Conte is interested in bringing Álvaro Morata to Stamford Bridge. (Evening Standard)
He’s also after the Lazio pair, Antonio Candreva and Marco Parolo. (Alfredo Pedullà)
Spurs could be ready to let Clinton N’Jie leave on loan after signing Georges-Kévin N’Koudou. (Telegraph)
Juventus have reportedly won the race to sign Croatia talent Marko Pjaca. (Football Italia)
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