Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann Rumours

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has admitted Paul Pogba held talks with the club before joining Manchester United.

The France international eventually made a world-record switch from Juventus to Old Trafford toward the end of the summer window. Speaking to Radio Montecarlo (h/t Ed Malyon of the Daily Mirror), Zidane confirmed for the first time that Los Blancos were in the hunt for Pogba.

“He could have come," Zidane said, when quizzed about the player. "There were conversations to try and sign him, but it didn't go ahead.”

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Pogba ticks a lot of boxes for a Real Madrid target. While the 11-time champions of Europe often look to make a statement by spending big in the market, in terms of style, the United man would have been ideal for the way in which Zidane’s side operates.

Here’s a look back at some of Pogba’s best moments from what was a memorable final term with Juventus:

The 23-year-old has grown into one of the most multifaceted footballers in the world, blending pace, power and wonderful technical flair. They’re traits the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale also mesh extremely well, and given the direct, incisive football Madrid play, Pogba could have fitted in tremendously.

However, United clearly have great faith in Pogba, spending a whopping £89 million to bring him back on board, per BBC Sport. And after some inconsistent performances in the early stages of his second spell at the club, the Red Devils No. 6 looks to be settling in well.

Per Squawka Football, he’s been a big attacking threat for United:

Had Madrid gone all out for Pogba, perhaps they would have landed him. After all, while United are a massive club, they can’t offer UEFA Champions League football. By contrast, Los Blancos have won the tournament in two of the last three seasons.

The Red Devils evidently had a desire to acquire the midfielder, though, and they’ll be hoping Real come to regret not signing Pogba in the coming years.

Paul Pogba Key to Antoine Griezmann Pursuit

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According to the Sun (h/t Jack Otway of the Daily Express), Pogba can play an important role in United’s next potential mega signing, Antoine Griezmann.

It’s suggested that while there is interest in the Atletico Madrid forward from Arsenal and Chelsea, United are hoping Griezmann’s compatriot can swing the chase in their favour. As noted by Otway, the striker has previously admitted he and Pogba “get on very well.”

The Atletico man has emerged as one of the finest goalscorers in the game and excelled for France at the 2016 UEFA European Championship. Here is a look at what he’s capable of offering:

This season, he’s continued his exceptional form in front of goal, forming a potent partnership with Kevin Gameiro up top at the Vicente Calderon.

Per the Champions League Twitter feed, he’s proved to be a clinical finisher since joining the club in 2014:

While United are not short of options up front, if there were a chance to sign a player such as Griezmann, the club would surely jump at it. After all, the forward is incisive, intelligent and versatile in where he operates on the field.

At the moment, it’s difficult to see Atletico cashing in on the player, though. While Griezmann may want to move on eventually, his employers are top of La Liga and a proven force in Europe too. United showing they are capable of challenging for similar honours would surely prove more alluring than any influence Pogba may possess.