Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has played down the significance of a photograph taken of Paul Pogba meeting with Zinedine Zidane while on holiday.
Express Sport revealed an exclusive photograph showing Pogba chatting to Real Madrid manager Zidane in Dubai.
The United midfielder has been subject of transfer speculation for some time and he admitted in the summer that he’s ready for a new challenge at the end of last season.
But, Solskjaer insists that Pogba still wants to play for the club, and he doesn’t have any problem with the midfielder spending time away.
“Paul is part of our plan going forward,” said Solskjaer, at his press conference ahead of Sunday’s clash against Liverpool (4.30pm).
“I’ve spoken to Paul so many times. He’s been playing through the pain barrier.
“He’s been criticised left, right and centre, but when he came back, Rochdale, Arsenal, he could have easily opted not played in them.
“He wanted to play, to try to get back, [but] it was too painful. He had that scan, he’s on the way back, he’s mending, he’s recovering, he’s been on a few days off – working – but he’s away from here.
“And it’s a picture. When you’re at Man United you do get pictures, speculation. I don’t have any problem with that at all.”
Pogba flew to Dubai for some warm weather rehabilitation during the international break, after spending a few weeks on the sidelines through injury.
But he was spotted on the beach talking to Zidane on Sunday night, after the Real Madrid boss attended a conference in the area.
The photograph shows Pogba on crutches following his ankle injury.
Express Sport understands that Zidane is still interested in signing Pogba, after he missed out on the France international this summer.
Pogba had been linked with a move to the Bernabeu all summer, but a move failed to materialise.
Los Blancos spent more than £300million on new arrivals this summer, and simply couldn’t afford to meet United’s asking price for Pogba.
The World Cup winner has two years remaining on his current contract, with an option of an added 12 months.