Real Madrid 'give up on Paul Pogba pursuit'

Real Madrid have reportedly abandoned their pursuit of Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba.

The France international has been strongly linked with a move to the Bernabeu in this summer's transfer window, having expressed a desire to leave Old Trafford in search of pastures new.

United are said to value Pogba in the region of £180m, though, which is a figure that Madrid will not meet.

According to AS reporter Tomas Roncero, Los Blancos have now entirely given up on their pursuit of the 2018 World Cup winner after accepting that they will not be able to convince the Red Devils to sell.

Spanish clubs have until the start of September to complete their summer transfer business. However, Roncero claims that Pogba - also linked with a return to Juventus - will not be linking up with Zinedine Zidane's side for the 2019-20 campaign.

The 26-year-old has been struggling with a back injury over the last week, but it is understood that the midfielder will be available for Sunday's Premier League opener against Chelsea.

Madrid boss Zidane is believed to blame club president Florentino Perez for failing to secure a summer deal for a player who enjoyed his best scoring season (16) in professional football during the 2018-19 campaign.