Paul Pogba 'wants Real Madrid move'

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is keen to leave the club this summer, according to the Independent. The paper reports that his preferred destination is Real Madrid, and he is looking to leave because United are not able to challenge for the Premier League title. While United are not desperate to sell Pogba, there have been reports that a bid of £130 million is sufficient to persuade them to let him go.

Paper Round's view: Pogba is apparently admired by Zinedine Zidane, and if he can play as he did for France during the World Cup, that would make it a successful transfer. It is a weakness of Pogba that he cannot transcend those around him - he just cannot be brilliant in a poor side. The better players around him at Real will allow him to produce more with just as little effort as he usually puts in. It would be a move to suit everyone.

Another Manchester United midfielder who could leave the club for Spain is Juan Mata. The 31-year-old playmaker has a deal that runs out at the end of the season and is wanted by Barcelona, but he would have to take a cut in his wages. He currently earns £170,000 a week, and the Sun reports that he would have to acccept a lower deal, though Atletico Madrid are also keen.

Paper Round's view: Mata has underwhelmed at United over the last few years but unlike Pogba, it is not for a lack of effort. Played outwide, he is hamstrung by his lack of pace, and he is instead asked to focus on his defensive abilities at times. He has not failed at Old Trafford, but his commitment to doing what he can suggests he would be more likely to flourish at Barcelona.

Across town, Manchester City midfieder Bernardo Silva has played down talk of a move to Barcelona. The 24-year-old Portuguese international has been in excellent form for City this season and was called, 'undroppable,' by Pep Guardiola, though he has been linked with a move away. However, Silva is quoted in the Manchester Evening News as saying: "I just renewed my contract with Manchester City, and after this season I have another three years of contract. I am very happy in Manchester."

Paper Round's view: Silva has been a boon for City this season, giving the side creativity when Ilkay Gundogan, David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne have been out, and he is a goal threat too. At just 24, he has plenty of potential and should be able to hold down a place for the next six years in the side. If he wants money and trophies, and is unconcerned by the owners of the club, then he is at the right club.

Rafael Benitez is planning to reinforce this summer as he makes transfer plans. Jan Caros Hurtado, the 19-year-old forward who plays for Gimnasia in Argentina has been linked to the club. The 19-year-old has played with Venezualan teammate Salomon Rondon, and former Magpie Faustino Asprilla has praised his ability, so there is no shortage of advice over the player should they want to take it, says the Newcastle Chronicle.

Paper Round's view: In order to convince Mike Ashley to spend some money, identifying young talent with resale value is probably the way to go for Benitez. Added to that, there is already interests from other European clubs for Hurtado, so making a move in the summer might help them secure a bargain now, rather than having to pay up in several years.