Cost-cutting Real Madrid end pursuit of Manchester United ace Pogba

Real Madrid have cooled their interest in Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, MARCA has revealed.

Pogba has been heavily linked with a move to Madrid throughout his entire career and Los Blancos seemed his most likely destination this summer.

The France international has been considering his Old Trafford future for the past 12 months after feeling let down by his boyhood club's lack of ambition.

However, the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic are expected to be severe and now almost every club around the world is looking to cut costs.

It is expected to bring an end to eye-watering transfer fees and will likely force Pogba to stick out another season at United.

While Zinedine Zidane would relish the chance to sign Pogba, the 2018 World Cup winner has dropped down Madrid's list of transfer targets.

Madrid have already ruled out a sensational return for Juventus striker Cristiano Ronaldo and are now no longer in the running to sign Pogba.

Zidane's side are instead looking at signing another of Mino Raiola's clients this summer, Erling Haaland.

The Norway international has been a revelation this season and has continued his exceptional goalscoring form since joining Borussia Dortmund in January.

Pogba, meanwhile, has barely featured this season due to a serious ankle injury but has recently revealed he is looking forward to returning and becoming the best in the world at United.

The 27-year-old is the only player in the Premier League this season with 100 per cent through ball success rate (5+ attempted).