Real Madrid working on Paul Pogba deal as Manchester United talks come to a standstill

Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane says the club are working on a deal to sign Manchester United target Paul Pogba.

United remain in talks with Juventus over a world record move £100m ($130m) for the France international but Real's interest in the player who grew up idolising Zidane poses a grave threat to their hopes of bringing him back to Old Trafford.

Reports in England and Italy have claimed United and Juventus are in advanced negotiations for the 23-year-old, but according to AS, the player's medical with the Premier League side has been put on hold.

The latest twist in the saga surrounding Pogba's future has now seen Zidane break his silence on the possibility of Real taking on United for the Frenchman's signature, insisting anything can happen between now and when the summer transfer window closes.

"In this moment we are working [on a move for Pogba], and I cannot say anything more," Zidane is quoted as saying by Goal. "Until 31 August anything can happen, but today he is not a Real Madrid player and I cannot talk about what will happen.

"I always say how things are, but now is not the time to talk about this. A lot of clubs are interested in Pogba. Real Madrid always wants the best players. But we owe Juventus respect, and I can't say anything more out of respect."

Meanwhile, Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta has confirmed talks between the Serie A champions and United have faltered somewhat. When asked for an update after leaving the Italian Professional Football League headquarters having finalised the club's move for Gonzalo Higuain on Tuesday (26 July), Marotta was quoted as saying by AS the Pogba deal is at a "standstill".

The major stumbling block in Pogba's proposed return to Old Trafford is understood to be the brokering fee for the midfielder's agent Mino Raiola. Neither United or Juventus are prepared to foot the bill for Raiola's cut of the deal, thought to be a staggering €25m (£20m, $26m).