Zinedine Zidane has reportedly given the green light for Real Madrid to sign Eduardo Camavinga as an alternative to Paul Pogba.
Madrid have been chasing Pogba for months, but have gone cold over a
potential transfer as Man Utd stand firm over their asking price.
Competition
from Juventus has only driven United’s demands up to the
£150-180million mark, causing Madrid to consider other options.
Marca report that Madrid were already plotting a bid for Rennes star Camavinga prior to the coronavirus outbreak.
The
17-year-old is seen as a cheaper and more long-term prospect than
Pogba, and Madrid believe they can land him for £54million.
Rennes
were demanding closer to £90million for their academy graduate, but
with Camavinga’s contract due to expire in 2022, Madrid are confident of
completing a deal for significantly less.
Camavinga burst
onto the scene with a man of the match display in Rennes’ win over PSG
earlier this season, attracting interest from Europe’s elite.
United were among the clubs said to be eyeing the midfielder, along with Liverpool and Arsenal.
But Madrid scouts have been keeping close track of his progress and
sending positive reports back to the Bernabeu, impressing Zidane.
Pogba’s
future at United still looks to be coming to an end though, with boss
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer keen to add another centre midfielder to his squad.
United
are well stocked in that department following the acquisition of Bruno
Fernandes in January, the return of Scott McTominay, and the resurgences
of Fred and Nemanja Matic.
But Solskjaer’s intention to
sign another centre midfielder suggests there will be a departure this
summer, with Pogba the likely candidate to go.
Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish is believed to be Solskjaer’s ideal target.
The
24-year-old is valued at around £70million, but could be available for
less if Villa fail to beat the drop down to the Championship.
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