Real Madrid 'exercise plan B' after failing with Paul Pogba transfer

Real Madrid have reportedly given up on their pursuit of Paul Pogba and have switched their attentions to Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek.

The Los Blancos were hopeful of completing a big-money move for Pogba before the end of the transfer window, but have failed to agree a deal.

With less than a week of the English transfer window remaining, Madrid are no closer to tempting Manchester United into selling the Frenchman.

That has led the Spanish club to look for a plan B, and they are now said to be closing in on a transfer for van de Beek, according to Bleacher Report .

Citing reports from journalist Marcelo Bechler, they report that Ajax have already accepted a bid for the 22-year-old.

Real Madrid had made Pogba their primary target (Getty Images)

Bechler adds that the Dutchman is set to sign a long term deal at the Bernabeu, having already agreed terms, and will put pen to paper in the coming days.

Van de Beek was one of the standout performers in his sides Champions League campaign last season, and has seen talented teammates Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt depart the club this summer.

The transfer window is open until September 2 in both Spain and Netherlands, but it appears neither side will need that long to complete the formalities.

It will come as a welcome boost to United, who were preparing for a late bid from Madrid for their star man.

Pogba announced earlier in the summer he was looking for a new challenge (Getty Images)

Pogba had announced earlier in the summer he felt the time was right for a new challenge, whilst agent Mino Raiola worked to negotiate a move away from Old Trafford for his client.

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was keen to retain the midfielder's services though, and appears to have succeeded.

Speculation suggested Solskjaer was ready to hand the captains armband to the 26-year-old in order to keep him at the club, with a decision expected in the coming days .

Madrid will instead look to sign Ajax's Donny van de Beek with a deal said to be close (Getty Images)

The Red Devils have had a busy summer in the transfer market, so far signing two players, with more expected to follow.

regarding a potential swap deal with Juventus involving Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku.

United are also still in discussions over potential moves for Sporting isbon's Bruno Fernandes, Leicester's Harry Maguire, and Juventus' Mario Mandzukic.