After Paul Pogbamade revelations that he would love to play for Spanish giants Real Madrid, the air has not been the same at Trafford as the lethal player would be lured by the giants to join them.
To avoid this United is working to extend the stay of the midfielder who is likely in return going to capitalise on the matter to get some good contract pay for him to remain.
Manchester United are ready to open contract talks with Paul Pogba in a bid to fend off Real Madrid.
But the star midfielder wants an eye-watering £500,000 a week to put him up with Alexis Sanchez as the club’s top-paid player.
Real boss Zinedine Zidane hopes to land fellow Frenchman Pogba as well as Chelsea’s Eden Hazard as part of his Bernabeu summer refit.
But while Pogba, 26, is thought to be flattered by the prospect of moving to Madrid, United will do everything in their power to keep the midfielder.
And that means agreeing with boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that Pogba must remain a key part of the United squad for the long-term.
Pogba’s current deal has two years to run, although United have an option to extend that for a further 12 months.
But the Red Devils could be willing to put a three-year extension on the table, tying Pogba to Old Trafford until 2024.
Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola is aware that his player is in high demand and will push United all the way when negotiations begin next week.
Any new deal would need a huge wage increase with Pogba currently on a basic of £300,000 a week, significantly less than flop Sanchez’s £505,000.