Real Madrid drop out of Pogba race but will retain striker

Real Madrid have opted against selling Alvaro Morata this summer having recently bought him back from Juventus, reports the Independent. 

The Spain international spent the last two years with the Serie A side and reports strongly suggested the La Liga outfit would cash in on Morata once the transfer window opened. 

Chelsea and Arsenal were keen to take him to England, while Juventus were willing to spend big to bring the Spaniard back to Italy. 

However, their hopes of signing Morata have been quashed with Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane looking to retain the services of the 23-year-old for next season. 

Real Madrid will now aim to usurp Barcelona at the summit of Spain’s top tier, with Morata expected to battle for a starting spot with Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. 

The Spanish giants, though, won’t be pursuing their interest in Juventus star Paul Pogba, leaving Manchester United with a clear run at the young France star. 

Pogba has been strongly linked with a £100m switch to Old Trafford, but faced competition from Real Madrid, who have since dropped out of the hunt to snare the talented midfielder.

For more stats on Alvaro Morata, click here to view his WhoScored player page