Juventus’ Pogba in talks with Real Madrid, confirms agent

Paris, June 20: France and Juventus star Paul Pogba’s agent has confirmed that he has begun talks with Spanish football giants Real Madrid about a potential world record summer transfer.

The midfield sensation, who is contracted to the Turin giants until the summer of 2019, is in his homeland playing for France at the ongoing European Championship.

His agent Mino Raiola said he is in contact with three clubs, who are interested in signing the 23-year-old — and European champions Real are one of them. Several media reports have emerged in the previous week noting that Juventus are demanding in excess of 120 million euros ($135.9 million) for the sale of the former Manchester United player.

“We are talking with Real but nothing is decided. Real coach Zinedine Zidane’s wish is important. The club’s wish is important. We are in the initial phase. It’s not a negotiation. Both sides know what it wants and we shall see if we complete a deal or it ends in divorce,” Raiola was quoted as saying by Spanish newspaper Marca on Sunday. “Paul dreams of winning the Ballon d’Or…Real Madrid is a fantastic club to achieve that. He admires Zidane. He has always told me that. This is going to be very important in his decision.”

Apart from Real Madrid, Pogba has been linked with a move to several European giants like Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and United.

But Raiola insisted that the “sporting project” is very important in Pogba’s decision.

“The aim is for him to join the best sporting project and win as many titles as possible. We are talking with three teams and Paul likes the sporting projects of some of those.” Pogba made 48 appearances in all competitions for Juventus this past season, helping the club clinch a Serie A and Coppa Italia double. “He wouldn’t have a problem staying at Juventus. He is very happy there.