Manchester United will resist any bid for Paul Pogba this summer, sources have told ESPN FC.
The midfielder has been linked with a move to Real Madrid after saying that playing for the Spanish giants under compatriot Zinedine Zidane is a “dream for anyone.”
Reports in Spain have claimed Pogba has already decided to leave Old Trafford but sources have told ESPN FC that United are determined to knock back any interest from the Bernabeu or European heavyweights Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.
United are willing to open contract talks with the 26-year-old this summer to secure his future.
Pogba has been more settled at Old Trafford since the departure of Jose Mourinho in December.
United explored the possibility of signing Ivan Rakitic from Barcelona as Pogba’s relationship with Mourinho deteriorated but interest in the Croatia international has cooled since Mourinho’s dismissal and Inter Milan lead the chase to sign Rakitic if he is allowed to leave Camp Nou at the end of the season.
Pogba, meanwhile, has played a key role under Mourinho’s replacement, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, scoring nine goals in 17 starts for the Norwegian. He has been an advocate of Solskjaer getting the job permanently and the 46-year-old could be installed by the club as early as this week.
United have already tied down Anthony Martial and Luke Shaw with new contracts while talks with Marcus Rashford — who Barcelona are interested in signing — are ongoing. The club are committed to keeping their core of young players together — a group that includes Pogba.
Even in the absence of a new deal, United will be under no pressure to sell this summer with Pogba under contract until at least 2021. They also hold an option to extend the agreement by a further 12 months.
Despite his early season problems under Mourinho, Pogba is enjoying his most productive campaign since making his professional debut with 14 goals in 37 games, eclipsing his previous best of 10.
After being stripped of the vice-captaincy by Mourinho in September, the former Juventus man was handed the armband by Solskjaer for the 2-1 defeat to Wolves in the FA Cup.
ESPN FC has contacted Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola for comment.
