Man Utd expect Mino Raiola to do one thing amid Paul Pogba to Real Madrid transfer links

Manchester United star Pogba has emerged as a top Real Madrid transfer target, with Zinedine Zidane deeming him a significant upgrade on the likes of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Casemiro and Dani Ceballos.

The France international is supposedly keen to leave Old Trafford behind after a mixed three years under both Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Manchester United boss Solskjaer has insisted Pogba will not be going anywhere but, with Raiola the player’s agent, their hands may be forced.

The supremo is likely to use Real’s interest in his favour.

And ESPN say that United expect Raiola to come along and demand fresh terms for his client sooner, rather than later.

Though not stated, it is likely that Pogba will demand pay parity with Alexis Sanchez, who earns an eyewatering £400,000-a-week.

But whether United bow down remains to be seen.

Real’s interest is growing and the La Liga giants are eager to make him their marquee signing of the summer.

Meanwhile, former United star Dimitar Berbatov has urged his old side to make sure they keep Pogba out of Madrid’s clutches.

“Why is Pogba the problem?” the Bulgarian said in an interview with The Sun.

“They criticise some players more than others, which is unfair. You cannot escape criticism in one form or another — we all have phones and are on social media.

“Even if you are mentally strong the critics can get in your head. But when everyone is attacking you, we are all humans so it can affect your game.

“He’s not a robot, but if you don’t feel appreciated, what do you do? Go somewhere else.”

Berbatov also hopes Pogba is given words of encouragement from Solskjaer.

“But leaving would be a mistake,” added Berbatov.

“I really hope Ole will tell Pogba he will build the team around him to give him the confidence to perform at his best.

“I have first-hand experience of how good Pogba can be when he trained with us as kid and he is a good boy as well.

“Pogba needs to know he has a player to cover his back, he needs to have the freedom to make decisive passes. It doesn’t matter if he makes mistakes as he is trying difficult passes.”

source: express.co.uk