Manchester United are reportedly interested in Federico Valverde and are wishful of including the Real Madrid star in a swap deal involving Paul Pogba.
According to The Sun, Federico Valverde has an admirer in the Premier League. Manchester United are reportedly interested in the Uruguayan international and are exploring the possibility of bringing him to Old Trafford in a potential deal that will see Paul Pogba move to Real Madrid.
Federico Valverde has battled his way into being a regular in the first-team setup at Real Madrid. The 22-year-old has been involved in every Real Madrid game so far in the 2020/21 La Liga season and seems to have impressed Zinedine Zidane with his work-rate, technical ability and tenacity.
Real Madrid 2020/21 (W-D-L)
WITH Fede Valverde starting:
3 games = 3-0-0Real Madrid 2020/21 (W-D-L)
WITHOUT Fede Valverde starting:
2 games = 0-1-1underrated. pic.twitter.com/jfgnbbyRCM
— Jack (@fedeevaIverde) October 18, 2020
Pogba professed his desire to play for Real Madrid and Zidane one day after the closure of the summer transfer window. The Frenchman still has two years left on his Manchester United deal. However, Real Madrid could come knocking for Pogba if Zidane’s midfield revamp isn’t as successful by the end of the season.
There is also the problem of plenty for Manchester United right now. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer loves to play a 4-2-3-1 having previously adopted a 4-3-3. The Red Devils have Fred, Scott McTominay, Nemanja Matic, Donny van de Beek, Bruno Fernandes, Jesse Lingard and Pogba vying for three slots in central and attacking midfield, with on-loan Andreas Pereira also another potential addition to the list next season.
Meanwhile, James Garner has been sent on loan at Watford, wherein he has had a positive start. Garner would be a contender for spots come next season at Manchester United. Manchester United would likely want to cash in on Pogba sooner than risk a scenario where they could lose him for free.
Real Madrid have proven to be reluctant in offering Manchester United triple figures for Paul Pogba, with previous rumoured bids also including player(s) in exchange. Federico Valverde might just be of interest to Manchester United.
Ideally, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would want to bring in someone that would replace Nemanja Matic long-term. Valverde has proven himself in that role along with showcasing his box-to-box abilities. Pogba’s departure would also make way for more harmony in midfield selection, with the probability of Ole being able to start both Bruno and van de Beek.
We already got a glimpse of what these two can do together in the fast-break second goal in the 4-1 comeback win over Newcastle United. As far as being able to adapt is concerned, Manchester United have signed two Uruguayans this season – Edinson Cavani and Facundo Pellistri – and Valverde would have his compatriots to help him adapt faster to the new surroundings.
Despite the report not mentioning any potential numbers, this could be a win-win situation for Manchester United. They would let Pogba achieve his ‘dream‘ while clearing a big chunk of the salary budget along with bringing in someone who can alleviate the midfield issues that seem to persist at United.
