Paul Pogba's Real Madrid 'dream'? Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rules out Man Utd exit

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has dismissed Paul Pogba’s claim that it would be a "dream" to play for Real Madrid.

Manchester United’s record signing raised fresh doubt about his future during the international break when talking up the appeal of a move to the Bernabeu to work under Zinedine Zidane.

And Zidane went on to begin Real’s open courting of Pogba over the weekend – publicly voicing his admiration for this countryman.

But Solskjaer has been quick to try to stamp out what has the potential to become the transfer saga of the summer – and told the Spanish giants not to misinterpret the World Cup winner’s comments.

“I don’t like to talk about other teams’ players of course, but this is another challenge with international breaks,” said the United manager. “Players are available all the time as well and it’ s a different environment - a general talk.

“Paul is a very nice and polite man who then answered a general question on Zidane, who is an icon in France, a fantastic manager, he used to be a fantastic player.

“He’s just politely answered that question - but Paul’s happy here. He’s going to be a big big part. I’ve said many times, you like to build your team round him and that hasn’t changed at all.”

Pogba has repeatedly been linked with moves to Spain with either Barcelona or Real.

With Zidane set to be handed huge funds to overhaul his squad, Pogba has been identified as a leading target alongside Eden Hazard, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.

Asked about the prospect of a move to Real while on international duty with France this month, Pogba said: “Real Madrid is a dream for anyone. It’s one of the biggest clubs in the world. There is also Zidane as a coach and it’s a dream for anybody who likes football.

“For now, I’m at Manchester. We don’t know what the future holds. I’m at Manchester and I’m happy.”

Zidane responded: “I really like Pogba and you know that. I know him very well, he’s a different kind of player and he can provide many things because of his skills. He knows how to attack and defend.

“However, he’s not my player. He plays for United and we have to respect that. He’s always said that he likes Madrid.”

Solskjaer has made it clear he intends to build United around Pogba and ensuring his head isn’t turned by Real could be one of his biggest challenges in the summer.

As reported by Standard Sport last week, United will reject any moves for the Frenchman or Marcus Rashford, who is a target for Barcelona.