The Italian media on Wednesday morning make it clear they feel Paul Pogba to Manchester United is pretty much sewn up. Things can obviously turn on their head, and often do, but the gist is Pogba is going back to the club that ‘disrespected’ him.
That should surely mean the end of the Andre Gomes to Manchester United rumours.
But no.
Valencia regional newspaper Super Deporte claims on Wednesday that Real Madrid and Manchester United are battling to sign the player. It’s not a case of him being an alternative to Pogba for United, Super Deporte say the club are ready to go in strongly.
This of course doesn’t make a great deal of sense. It would be tricky to crowbar Pogba and Gomes into the same team, and that’s ignoring Manchester United’s current midfielders, and other purchases.
Jorge Mendes, neck deep in Valencia business over recent windows, is said to be trying to create an auction situation. Those taking part are Real Madrid and Manchester United.
Super Deporte states: ‘Real Madrid competes with United and hopes to sign him for an offer of €50m plus €10m more in variables’
Maybe this is so Real Madrid can say they beat Manchester United to Gomes, or to help Valencia build a case for a high price, or maybe Mourinho really is buying all of the players.
