Real Madrid plan cash plus player offer for Paul Pogba

Bengaluru, June 18: Spanish giants Real Madrid could offer Manchester United Gareth Bale or Isco in exchange for Paul Pogba.

The Los Blancos are keen on signing the French midfielder this summer while Pogba is desperate to work with his idol Zinedine Zidane.

Speaking on a promotional tour in Tokyo, the Manchester United star revealed he is ready for a "new challenge" after three years at Old Trafford.

The 26-year-old said: "Like you said, there is a lot of talking and a lot of thinking as well.

"For me I have been for three years in Manchester and have been doing great, some good moments and some bad moments, like everybody. Like everywhere else.

"After this season and everything that happened this season, with my season being my best season as well... I think for me it could be a good time to have a new challenge somewhere else.

"I am thinking of this - to have a new challenge somewhere else."

Manchester United's official stance however remains that Pogba is not for sale.

But his comments have virtually confirmed he will leave Old Trafford this summer and a deal could be struck within the next fortnight as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants his business done before the club go on their pre-season tour.

The Red Devils' valuation of Pogba is £150million, but they will do well to receive as much as that now that it is clear their record signing wants out.

Real Madrid are keen to get Gareth Bale, 29, and Isco Alcaron, 27, through the exit door.

Both players have been linked with moves to Old Trafford in recent years and could now be used as makeweights for the French World Cup winner.

Young winger Daniel James has joined Manchester United but Bale would add extra power in attack and trophy-winning experience to the dressing room but United chiefs will be hoping that he is not a repeat of Alexis Sanchez with his high wages and minimal return.

Isco, meanwhile, would be a fine addition to the midfield, especially with fellow playmaker Juan Mata's future still unclear.

Mata is out of contract this summer and is yet to sign an extension.

The Bernabeu club also know that they cannot simply keep spending money without balancing the books. They have already splashed £268.6m to bring Eder Militao, Rodrygo Goes, Luka Jovic, Fernald Mendy and Eden Hazard to the club this summer.

So the chances of then spending another £150m on Pogba, with Kylian Mbappe still linked, seems unlikely. A player-plus-cash offer for Pogba, therefore, could be the best deal for both Real Madrid and Manchester United.

Real are keen to avoid a bidding war with Juventus, who are keen to re-sign the player they sold back to United in 2016 for £89m.