Manchester United's pursuit of Paul Pogba boosted as Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane declares himself happy with squad

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane praises 'good player' Paul Pogba
However Los Blancos chief is reluctant to work with too big a squad
Real have long been linked with Pogba, with reports in Spain suggesting they are waiting to make a move for Juventus star
However Zidane's statement suggests Pogba is not a primary target

Amidst rumours of a Real Madrid move for Manchester United target Paul Pogba, Santiago Bernabeu boss Zinedine Zidane has declared himself happy with the squad he has.

As his squad touched down for a training camp in Montreal, the Real manager was reluctant to talk about a player contracted to another club. Zidane described the 23-year-old midfielder as a 'good player' before adding 'he is not the only one'.

The Champions League-winning coach's statement on the France star will buoy United, who are reportedly in pole position to sign Pogba should he decide to leave the Old Lady.

+7

Manchester United's chances of signing Paul Pogba have been boosted by Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane

+7

Amidst the Pogba talk, Real boss Zidane has declared himself happy with the squad he has

Real have long been linked with an interest in the Juve man, but Zidane says it would be difficult to improve his team with any major signings and not disrupt the squad. 

'I like Pogba. At the moment, he's a Juventus player. I'm happy with the squad I have and it's difficult to improve it,' he said at Madrid's pre-season training camp in Canada. 

'But after saying that, I like Pogba - yes. He is a good player. He is not the only one, because there's many good players, and every club wants to have good players. But he is playing for Juventus

'It's difficult because a big squad creates problems. But I don't dislike the idea of looking to the academy. There are a lot of competitions and we need everyone.

+7

The 23-year-old is at the centre of the biggest transfer tussle of the summer with a £100m move in the offing

'Working is the most important thing, it's what we're going to do here. Then, bit by bit, we'll decide things. 

'You don't know what will happen until August 31. We're happy with the squad we have and we've just won the Champions League.'

Pogba's future continues to be a source of mystery, with Spanish newspaper AS reporting Real are keen for the Frenchman, currently on holiday in America, to hold fire on any decision over his next move.

+7

Juventus star Pogba is currently on holiday in America whilst rumours continue to rumble over his future

+7

Mino Raiola, Pogba's agent, has reportedly been told by Real to hold off on making a deal for his client

The 11-times European champions, long-believed to be Pogba's preferred destination, have told the player's agent, Mino Raiola, they require some time to formulate a deal for the Juventus star.

Madrid are training in Montreal ahead of their opening International Champions Cup game against Paris Saint-Germain on July 28.

Los Blancos travel to Ohio for the clash with the French champions before further International Champions Cup fixtures in Michigan against Chelsea and Bayern Munich in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

+7

Pogba played for Manchester United as a youngster but left to join Juventus on a free transfer in 2012