Real after Pogba, Hazard

LONDON. — Real Madrid are confident of signing Paul Pogba and Eden Hazard this summer, according to Sky sources.
The Spanish side are expected to overhaul their squad at the end of the season having missed out on the Champions League and La Liga football titles, and the English Premier League duo are high on their wish-list.

Pogba has received heavy criticism for his performances during Manchester United’s recent run of poor form, and is expected to leave if they miss out on qualification for the Champions League.

But manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reiterated he “definitely” still wants the midfielder at the club yesterday.
“His work rate is improving all the time, that shows the urgency that he wants this to be a success,” Solskjaer told Sky Sports News.

Hazard’s contract expires at the end of next season, and he has shown no inclination to renew the deal, meaning Chelsea will allow him to join Real if they match his £100m asking price.

Pogba came close to joining the La Liga side when he was leaving Juventus three years ago, but eventually joined United for £89m instead.

While on international duty last month, the 26-year-old admitted playing for Real under the management of his countryman Zinedine Zidane would be a “dream for anyone”.

PSG are also understood to be interested in signing the France international midfielder.
Hazard (28) has also been open about his desire to play for Real during his career, describing it as “my dream since I was a kid”.

In addition, Belgian journalist Kristof Terreur told Sky Sports that Hazard sees Zidane as an inspiration, and that the Frenchman’s return as Real manager meant Hazard’s move to the Bernabeu was “falling into place”.

Real have had a hugely disappointing season, with Zidane’s return making him their third manager this season after the sackings of Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari.

After winning three consecutive Champions League titles during Zidane’s first reign, they exited the competition at the last-16 stage this season after a 4-1 home defeat to Ajax.

They will end the season with no trophies for the first time in four years, and Zidane has pledged to make “changes” to the squad this summer. — Sky Sports.