Paul Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola has revealed talks are underway between Juventus and Real Madrid for a transfer of the France midfielder this summer.
“We are in the preliminary phase of negotiations,” Raiola told the print edition of Spanish sports daily Marca. “Pogba admires Real Madrid and [head coach] Zinedine Zidane and this is going to be very important in his decision.”
Juve have previously stated their reluctance to sell the 23-year-old this summer, but Raiola’s comments suggest they are now open to a sale if they receive a high enough bid for one of the world’s most coveted young players.
Raiola said Real would likely have to break the world transfer record to add Pogba to a squad that won the Champions League last season.
“[He could cost] €120 million or €140m,” Raiola said. “He is worth whatever a club are willing to pay for him.”
Pogba joined Juventus in 2012 after making just three Premier League appearances for Manchester United. He has since won four Serie A titles in as many years with the Turin club and also helped them reach the Champions League final in 2015.
Pogba had received some criticism for his first performances for France at Euro 2016, although he impressed in Sunday’s 0-0 draw against Switzerland which secured Les Bleus as Group A winners.
Afterwards, France coach Didier Deschamps called on the media to leave Pogba alone as the host nation prepare for the round of 16.
“Pogba is a hugely talented player,” he told Sky Sport. “He’s young, but he’s shown that he can already do everything.
“The important thing is he is left in peace — whether it is in Italy or in France, people are only talking about him.
“There are too many expectations being placed in him and I was glad to see the way he played today. He didn’t do everything perfectly, but I’ve got a lot of faith in him. He just needs peace and quiet, so leave him in peace.”
Pogba said his strong first-half showing against Switzerland was not down to a desire to deliver a response to his critics.
“I have no response to give to anyone,” he told beIN Sports. “I play football for the French team – for the jersey. I want to play for the team and to win for the team.
“Beyond that, there will be talk (about his form) for good or for bad. People are going to talk in any case. “But I’m not going to respond – that serves no purpose.”
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