Since Zinedine Zidane returned to Real Madrid in March, reports linking Paul Pogba with a move to Santiago Bernabéu have flourished.
The Spanish media named the efforts to sign the midfielder as, inevitably, ‘Operation Pogba’.
AS now claims the dynamics of signing the World Cup winner have changed after Toni Kroos was handed a new deal.
The former Bayern Munich man’s contract will keep him at the club until 2023 and his wages have also been increased. This has taken Mino Raiola by surprise, with AS stating Kroos’ agent was also shocked at the movement Madrid made to get a renewal.
It’s claimed the France international’s signing is requested by Zidane, more than that of Eden Hazard, who is seen as a strategic signing. The manager wanted to build his new project around his compatriot and he even spoke to the Manchester United player to convince him to join Real Madrid.
However, with Kroos’ new deal, Real Madrid are unlikely to ‘put all the meat on the grill’ for the 26-year-old. That means they won’t give it their all.
The France international’s contract at Old Trafford runs until 2021 and it’s claimedOle Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are demanding at least €150m to part ways with their player.
Due to the high cost of the operation and with the latest development at Real Madrid in regards to Kroos’ contract extension, interest may be wobbling at club level.
