Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is edging closer to an exit next summer, that too as a free agent, reports ABC. Santiago Bernabeu is reported to be leading the race for the Frenchman, while the Red Veils are eyeing Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni as his replacement.
Real Madrid have chased the Frenchman since his Juventus days, and could finally complete a deal, which involves him linking up with compatriots Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga, and Karim Benzema – and potentially Kylian Mbappe – at the Bernabeu.
Pogba is in the final year of his contract at United, and a failure to agree fresh terms could allow him to walk free in June 2022. Talks have been ongoing between the two parties, but an agreement hasn’t been reached yet. Real are monitoring the situation, and it is believed that Pogba’s agent – Mino Raiola – wants his client to leave Manchester for Spain.
The report states that Real Madrid are willing to offer Pogba a yearly wage of 14 million euros net, lower than what United are offering. However, the Spanish giants will give a signing bonus worth 30 million to Pogba and Raiola, should the transfer fee be foregone.
ESPN reports that Manchester United could target AS Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni to replace the outgoing Pogba.
The 21-year-old is attracting suitors after his breakthrough season for Les Monegasques, with Liverpool, Juventus, Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Chelsea all interested.
It is believed that the young midfielder will fetch a fee in the region of 50 to 60 million euros. Monaco stand to make a sizable profit on his sale, given that they paid a meagre 18 million in comparison to Bordeaux for his services a year and a half ago.
Tchouameni is already a full French international with five caps under his belt. He made his debut earlier this year and was most recently involved in France’s Nations League final win over Spain – a match in which he participated from the start.
