Manchester United star Paul Pogba has reportedly reiterated his desire to leave the club and has targeted an exit before next summer’s European Championships.
The 26-year-old first expressed his wish for a change when he said he wanted ‘a new challenge’ during pre-season, but no move was forthcoming in the summer transfer window and he was forced to stay at Old Trafford. He has endured a frustrating campaign so far after suffering an ankle injury which has kept him out since the end of September, and there is still no word on when he is likely to return.
According to French publication L’Equipe Pogba still sees Real Madrid as his dream destination, and is determined to force through a transfer to the Spanish giants at the end of the season.
His position may be helped by the fact that his contract with the Red Devils is due to expire in 2021, with United running the risk of the World Cup winner leaving on a free transfer in two years. Madrid also allegedly want to sign Pogba before Euro 2020 as they are worried that an injury to the player at the tournament could lead to a breakdown in negotiations.
Their manager Zinedine Zidane is known to be a big fan of his fellow countryman, and urged the club to do everything they could to sign him over the summer, but Madrid instead splashed the cash on other high-profile players such as Eden Hazard and Luka Jovic. Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Manchester derby, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he hoped to have Pogba back before the end of the year. When asked about when he was expected to be fit again Solskjaer said: “As soon as possible, as quickly as possible. He’s out on the grass training. I said in 2019 so hopefully we’ll see him before the New Year.”
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