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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Alex Milne

Zinedine Zidane makes fresh Paul Pogba transfer statement ahead of La Liga opener

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane refused to give anything away as speculation continues to link both Paul Pogba and Neymar with the club this summer.

With the Spanish transfer window remaining open until September 2 there is still a possibility Madrid could add to their summer spending spree which has seen them splash out over £300m on the likes of Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic and Eder Militao.

With both Pogba and Neymar reportedly keen to leave their current clubs, Manchester United and PSG respectively, rumours of moves to Madrid have been rife, although United are reportedly determined to keep hold of Pogba.

Paul Pogba is still on Real Madrid's radar (Action Images via Reuters)

Zidane said: "Paul (Pogba) is a player for Manchester United and we have to respect that. Here we are thinking about the game tomorrow.

"Neymar is not a Real Madrid player. I have just said the important thing is the people that are here."

One player who looked almost certain to leave the Bernabeu this summer was Gareth Bale, before a proposed move to China broke down at the last minute.

Zidane hinted the Welshman still has a place in his plans despite an apparent willingness to sell him this summer.

"It looked like he was going to leave and now he's here with us," Zidane added.

Zinedine Zidane insists Gareth Bale still has a part to play for Madrid this season (Getty Images)

"Things can change quickly and now I am counting on him. He has a contract, he's important and I hope he and all the players want to make it difficult for me to choose the team."

Madrid kick off their La Liga campaign with an away game against Celta Vigo on Saturday, who narrowly avoided relegation last season by finishing 17th.

The pressure already appears to be on Zidane following a miserable pre-season for Madrid which saw them lose four games, including a humiliating 7-3 defeat to cross-city rivals Atletico Madrid.

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