Paul Pogba: Manchester United midfielder says Real Madrid transfer would be a ‘dream'

Pogba said that talks over new United contract are yet to begin

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba (Getty Images)

Paul Pogba has rekindled speculation linking him with a move away from Manchester United, reiterating that it would be "a dream" to play for Real Madrid one day.

The United midfielder was expected to push for a move away from Old Trafford this summer, having said that he wanted "a new challenge" before the start of the 2019-20 season.

Pogba then made just eight appearances for United prior to March's lockdown due to a persistent ankle injury, but then returned as a regular fixture in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side when football restarted.

Mino Raiola, Pogba's agent, said in August that his client was "happy" at United and ready to discuss extending his contract.

But on Thursday, while away on international duty with France, Pogba said that contract talks were yet to begin.

“I prefer to concentrate on football and especially my comeback," he said. "I haven’t been told anything. I haven’t spoken with Ed Woodward. We haven’t spoken about a renewal. For now, I’m in Manchester and I’m thinking about coming back to my best form.

“I think there will then be a time when the club will come to speak to me and maybe offer me something, or not. For now, nothing has happened. I can’t tell you something I don’t know. I’m thinking about myself, coming back and putting good performances for my club."

On the prospect of leaving United, Pogba said: “I’m in Manchester... I heard a lot of noise like I was going to leave and that I should go to this or that club. Today I’m still in Manchester and I’m fighting to bring the club back to the highest level.”

In October last year, Pogba was pictured in a chance meeting with Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane while away on holiday and Zidane has previously spoken of his admiration for the 27-year-old as a player.

Addressing those comments, Pogba said: “Zidane? We all heard it, things were said. My reply? Yes, every football player would like to play at Real Madrid. It may be a dream. It’s a dream for me, why not one day?  

"As I said, I’m in Manchester and I love my club. I’m performing in Manchester, I’m enjoying myself and I want to do everything to put the club back where it deserves to be. I’ll give my all, just like my teammates."

“I prefer to focus on the ball and especially my comeback. I haven’t been told anything. I haven’t spoken with Ed Woodward. We haven’t spoken about a renewal. For now, I’m in Manchester and I’m especially thinking about coming back to the best of my ability.

Pogba's current Old Trafford contract is set to expire next summer, though the club retain the option of extending his existing terms until 2022.