Just 36 days left to sign Pogba and counting

If Real Madrid thought they needed to sign more players, after the 7-3 drubbing at the hands of Atletico, they now have more urgency to do so. Pogba, who always seemed to be Zidane's number one target, is still the player with the greatest chance of signing for Real Madrid. 

But, as has been seen, it will not be so simple. Manchester United will not let a star player of theirs leave so easy. Apart from the large amount of money the English side are asking for, the 'Red Devils' have to first find a subsitute for the French midfielder. 

A situation which could be resolved in the coming days. The first date Real Madrid have got in mind is the day the transfer window closes in the Premier, 8th August. For that date, Manchester United will not be able to sign any more players. Therefore, if they wish to sell Pogba, they have to have signed a replacement for that date. Players like Milinkovic-Savic and Bruno Fernandes are being considered. 

Once the Premier League transfer window closes, 11th August is the next date to have in mind. United host Chelsea at Old Trafford in their Premier League. It will be interesting to see the reception Pogba gets from his own fans and that could have an impact on his final decision. 

After that, we could have to wait until 2nd September, the day the transfer window closes in Spain. Real Madrid, according to 'AS', are not ruling out signing the player in the last few days of the window like they did with Luka Modric and Gareth Bale. 

Pogba, who has still got two years left on his Man Utd contract, cannot try and force the club to sell him because he still has two years left on his contract. If he had only one, he could have forced his departure otherwise he could have left on a free just a few months later. 

Real Madrid are now only focussing on the French midfielder. Latest reports say that they have ruled out footballers like Van de Beek and Eriksen. 

What seems clear is the Real are going to make more signings this summer especially after what has happened in pre-season so far. A busy end to the summer is expected at the club.