Not Pogba: Is this Real Madrid’s main summer target?

There has been a huge amount of speculation about Paul Pogba to Real Madrid this summer and Los Blancos can be forgiven for not getting a deal over the line during EURO 2016.

Many believe that Real Madrid is also the player’s preferred destination, with former club Manchester United also potentially keen.

But Real Madrid have been known to do their business with rapier speed and there is a suggestion that some high-ranking members of the club are uncertain about paying a world record fee for Pogba. This could yet let Manchester United in on the deal.

British media outlet, The Daily Mail writes:

Real president Florentino Perez may become an unlikely ally. The Bernabeu supremo, does not want to break the bank for a player he remains unconvinced by.

With that in mind, the same source writes today:

“Real Madrid and Barcelona are competing to sign Valencia and Portugal midfielder Andre Gomes, according to reports in Spain.”

Gomes has had a fantastic 18 months for club and country. The 6ft 2in midfielder has played 12 times for Portugal since his debut in 2014. He is currently competing with Portugal at EURO 2016.

And Real Madrid and Barcelona have had ample opportunity to see him up close and personal as the 22-year-old has been at Valencia, on loan and then permanently, over the last two seasons.

Hi stock has risen hugely at The Mestalla with 77 games and 9 goal over two brilliant seasons.

Andre Gomes is one of these players who makes football look effortless. He floats across the turf for one so big and has the sort of nonchalant style that makes TFF sense that he won’t be out of place on the biggest stage.

This one could turn out to be a battle royal between Barcelona and Real Madrid and any transfer will be towards the top end of both clubs’ transfer records.