Real Madrid's interest in Paul Pogba is no secret. Zinedine Zidane is a huge admirer of the French midfielder and the Man United star himself is also keen on joining the kings of Europe.
However, the signs point to this transfer never materializing. It is understood that the Red Devils are in no rush to sell despite their record signing wanting out and will thus demand an astronomical fee from the Spanish giants.
According to Marca, the 20-time Premier League champions latest demand is a whopping $224M fee for the World Cup winner. While Los Blancos were willing to break the bank for the 26-year-old, this asking price is more than what Real Madrid are willing to pay.
And with the transfer window deadline growing closer by the day -- it shuts on August 8 -- Florentino Perez might have to start exploring other options. Donny van de Beek and Christian Eriksen are two names mentioned in the Marca report, though both sit beneath Pogba in Zidane's wishlist.
The Old Trafford midfielder has informed Man United that he yearns for a new challenge. However, the superstar isn't ready to go on protest in order to force a move but has carried on in a professional manner, reporting for pre-season duty and featuring in Solskjaer's lineup.
Unless Real Madrid find a workaround for his high price, Pogba will likely remain in England for the upcoming season. It is not the scenario the player or Zizou wished for, but it's the one all signs point to at the moment.
