Manchester United are 'interested' in Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos but for a deal to happen Paul Pogba would have to go the other way, according to reports.
United are considering making a move for a new midfielder in January after their early season form showed the need to strengthen in the area following the loss of Ander Herrera in the summer.
United lack both consistent creativity and defensive solidity in the centre of midfield and the problem is made all the more obvious when Pogba misses out through injury.
Madrid, meanwhile, had been linked with a move for Pogba all summer as manager Zinedine Zidane was desperate to add his fellow Frenchman to his rebuild at the Bernabeu.
Los Blancos spent nearly £300million in the transfer window after an embarrassing season but didn't appear to follow up on their interest for Pogba, which has already begun to fray Zidane's relationship with president Florentino Perez just six months after returning to the club.
According to German publication Bild, who cite Spanish journalist Eduardo Inda, Madrid are planning to make a move for Pogba 'in the winter' and they are 'planning an exchange with Kroos.'
It also claims that United are 'interested' in the German international and that there 'was even contact between both clubs.'
The report quotes Inda as saying: "Real wants to get rid of Kroos in the winter. However, a transfer to United would only come about if in return the French world champion comes."
United were adamant that Pogba was not for sale during the summer and it would be a massive surprise if they allowed their prize asset to leave in exchange for an aging midfielder that Madrid don't want.
Meanwhile, It’s being reported by Mirror Online that David de Gea has finally put pen to paper on a new contract at United.
De Gea is said to have agreed a four-year deal with the option of an extra year, with an announcement from the club said to be imminent.
