Manchester United Lose Race to Re-Sign Paul Pogba - Report

David Moyes has received a massive blow in his pursuit of Paul Pogba, with the player preferring a move to Real Madrid than making his way back to Old Trafford, according to the Mirror.

The 20-year-old transferred to Juventus in 2012 after accusing Sir Alex Ferguson of failing to give him enough first team opportunities.

Since then the Frenchman has gone from strength to strength and has established himself as among the best midfielders in the world.

As a result, his services have attracted interest from across the world, with United looking to bring him back to Old Trafford with Arsenal also reported to be interested last summer.

Meanwhile, Madrid, under the stewardship of Zinedine Zidane, have let the midfielder know about their interest with the midfielder also leaning towards moving to La Liga to play for the Spanish club.

The midfielder has reportedly told Madrid that he is willing to move, thereby rejecting a lucrative deal from United.

The Red Devils are reportedly willing to pay up to £35m for his services but with Pogba ready to move to Spain, it will be an uphill task for Moyes to bring him back to the Premier League, especially with a lack of Champions League football.

United suffered a humiliating 3-0 loss to Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday, which pretty much sealed their top four hopes for this season, currently 12 points behind City, having played two games more.

United need some sparkle in midfield to repair the damage which has been done this season and Moyes acknowledges the fact with his pursuance of Toni Kroos and other players who have excelled in that department.

Their current crop of players like Marouane Fellaini, Tom Cleverly and Michael Carrick have flattered to deceive while the partnership up top between Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney has also been a sight to forget.

It has been a season of transition for David Moyes and his men but the Red Devils need to be prepared for next season and choose their targets wisely, without dithering on players like Cesc Fabregas, on whom the reigning Champions spent a lot of time last year, but in despair.