Man Utd Daily News

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has said that Paul Pogba remains a positive and good influence on the team despite the speculation regarding the Frenchman’s future. The 26-year-old has recently cited that he would prefer a fresh challenge away from Old Trafford and reports have since linked him with the likes of Juventus and Real Madrid.

Speaking to reporters, Mata spoke about the good traits of the 2018 World Cup winner and cited that the midfielder is content with the current proceedings at the club, he said:“We all know Paul and he’s a fantastic midfielder and he’s a very good guy, very positive, good influence for everyone. I think he’s happy, he brings everyone together. But I cannot speak for other people. I cannot speak for myself, for my present and my future in the club. And obviously as a team-mate, and as a friend also, I would like him to stay and to be happy because he is a very good player for us, but I cannot say much else.”

Pogba has resisted from speaking about his future since the comments made during the Tokyo trip but there have nonetheless been reports citing that he would prefer a move to the Bernabeu. Still, there has been no formal approach from Real Madrid and that could be related to the asking price rather than the lack of interest.

The Red Devils are understood to want at least £170m to part ways with the midfielder this summer and that is supposedly out of the range of Los Blancos at the moment. The Spanish giants have already spent £266m on the purchase of five players and reports suggest that any move for Pogba would be dependent on whether they can recoup sufficient funds from player sales. Gareth Bale, Lucas Vazquez, Mariano Diaz and Marcelo are some of the players, who could head through the exit door.