Paul Pogba: Frenchman could have joined Real Madrid over the summer, says Zinedine Zidane

Although the France star was linked to Madrid at one point, United eventually went on to land the midfielder in a world-record transfer deal

Paul Pogba could have ended up at Real Madrid, according to Zidane (Getty)

Zinedine Zidane has insisted that Paul Pogba could have joined Real Madrid instead of Manchester United during the summer’s transfer window.

After much back and forth following the conclusion of Euro 2016, the Frenchman moved to Old Trafford last August in a world-record transfer deal worth £89m.

Although Pogba was under consideration by Madrid, the Spaniards never made an official offer for the player. Even so, Zidane has confirmed that ‘conversations’ took place.

"It could have happened," Zidane told French radio show RMC. "There were conversations but it didn’t go ahead."

Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, also confirmed last August that Madrid had been interested in signing his client.

"Zidane wanted him at Real Madrid but there were another five or six clubs following him as well,” he said. “Manchester United are now a lot stronger thanks to him, whilst Real Madrid are not.

"I never spoke about the market with Pogba whilst he was playing at the European Championship, and then he went on holiday because he was very disappointed.

"It was only when I arrived in Miami was it when things were put in motion. He explained to me what he wanted. Manchester is his home."

Pogba had made eight appearances for United so far this season and scored his first goal for the club in their 4-1 victory over Leicester last month.

The Frenchman has come under scrutiny in recent weeks, however, with some suggesting that the player has failed to deliver on his record-breaking price-tag.