Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest on Paul Pogba and Moussa Sissoko Rumours

Real Madrid will target Newcastle United midfielder Moussa Sissoko after deciding against a blockbuster move for Paul Pogba, allowing the France prodigy to focus on a transfer to Manchester United.

Spanish radio station Cadena SER (h/t Alberto Pinero and Romeo Agresti of Goal) reported Pogba's signature is no longer of interest to Los Blancos, with "Juventus hoping to conclude a deal with United before the end of the week."

Madrid view Sissoko as a viable alternative to Pogba, with the two individuals sharing many attributes in their armoury. 

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The Telegraph (h/t David F. Sanchidrian of AS) reported Los Blancos have faith in Sissoko as a "plan B" in the transfer market as they turn their back on luring Pogba.

However, the Magpies player has stated a preference to remain in England, which could scupper any move by the Santiago Bernabeu club, according to John Hutchinson of the Sun. 

Sissoko said: “My priority is to stay in England even if I’m not against going to search for a new challenge elsewhere. I particularly want to play with big players and in top-level matches.”

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It is debatable whether Sissoko would receive sufficient minutes on the pitch due to the current Real midfield lineup, and a lack of opportunity could complicate any deal.

Pinero and Agresti wrote that Real manager Zinedine Zidane is a huge admirer of Pogba, but Real are unwilling to match United's world-record bid for the midfield behemoth.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano of Sky Sport gave his opinion about the links between Pogba and Real:

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Sissoko impressed for France during Euro 2016, but he couldn't inspire his country to the title, with Pogba restricted as a defensive midfielder.

The 26-year-old's profile has exploded since his impressive stint on international duty, but he found life difficult in the Premier League, despite flashes of brilliance.

The energetic player started 37 matches for Newcastle in the Premier League last term, providing seven assists but only one goal, according to WhoScored.com.

The Telegraph (h/t Sanchidrian) reported Sissoko will cost around the €35 million mark, which wouldn't make him a cheap alternative, despite Pogba's inflated fee.

Zidane will not want to stand still while other European and Spanish giants strengthen, but he might be wise to sit the transfer window out until the end of the season. 

There were huge question marks raised against Sissoko's form last year, and he hasn't done enough to command such a robust transfer fee to a club like Madrid.

Real might have missed out on Pogba on this occasion, but it doesn't stop them planning a move for him in the years ahead, as United's fortunes dictate the storyline of success or failure.