Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest Paul Pogba, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Rumours

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane hasn't played down speculation linking Los Blancos with a possible bid for Juventus midfielder and Manchester United target Paul Pogba.

Speaking to reporters, Zidane made it clear Real are keeping all options open in this summer's transfer window, including Pogba, according to Jamie Jackson of the Guardian:

"I don’t know if he will come," Zidane said. "Until 31 August anything can happen. Everyone is interested in Pogba. He is a great footballer and when you are Madrid you always want the best. But now he is not a Real Madrid player, he is a Juventus player. I can’t say anything more."

United have been credited with submitting "an increased bid of £92m (€110m) plus a further €10m in add-ons," per the Guardian's Alan Smith and Fabrizio Romano. The pair also indicated the Red Devils may need to add another €10 million on top of that hefty offer.

This isn't the first time Real have been linked with scuppering United's plans regarding Pogba. A previous report from Marco Ruiz of Spanish source AS (h/t MailOnline's Paul McNamara) indicated Los Blancos had asked for time to put the proposed record fee together to sign the gifted French midfield talisman.

Back in June, B/R's Dean Jones indicated Pogba would prefer a switch to the Spanish capital should he leave Juventus:

That Pogba has generated this level of interest from Europe's biggest clubs is no surprise. After all, he's an ultra-athletic powerhouse who augments his physical strength and drive with stylish creativity.

What's less clear is where he'd fit best in a Real midfield that's currently nicely balanced. Rugged Brazilian Casemiro is the defensive shield, while German schemer Toni Kroos roams further forward and Luka Modric links everything in between.

Of course, Los Blancos have rarely been shy about recruiting star players to add to areas of strength. Yet, a team that needs a new centre-back and central striker more may want to think twice before entering into the lavish bidding war surrounding Pogba.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Open to Other Destinations

One striker whom Real may not be able to tempt to the Spanish capital is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Borussia Dortmund frontman has moved to deny reports that claimed he said he'd only leave the Bundesliga for Los Merengues, per James Dale of Sky Sports:

"

I can read everywhere something that I never said "only Real Madrid can take me from Dortmund", I don't know who transforms my words but I'm sad that people do like they want.

I'm a player for Borussia Dortmund and in any interviews I was honest with you to say that it was my dream since I'm young but not more.

"

During a recent interview with ZDF (h/t Goal's Joe Wright), Aubameyang was quoted as saying: "But the only club I would leave Dortmund for are Real Madrid. If they don't come calling, I don't leave."

TF-Images/Getty Images

Aubameyang would make sense for any top club after a prolific 2015/16 campaign during which he scored 25 goals in Germany's top flight, according to WhoScored.com.

In terms of Real, Aubameyang would offer lightning pace to complement the speed of wide forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. Zidane's squad currently relies on target men Karim Benzema and the returning Alvaro Morata as its central strikers. Aubameyang's movement is more swift and perceptive than that of either player, though.

If the 11-time European champions are going to upgrade the position this summer, convincing Dortmund's 27-year-old Gabon international to move would be their best bet.