Real Madrid are 'increasingly confident' that they will sign Paul Pogba this summer after Zinedine Zidane encouraged the club's board to test Manchester United's resolve.
Zidane made signing Pogba a priority at the start of the summer and the midfielder's camp believed a move was likely, hence their decision to aggressively push for an exit from Old Trafford.
However, United value Pogba at £180m and Madrid have already spent £300m this summer on the likes of Luka Jovic and Eden Hazard.
Florentino Perez told Zidane that a move for Pogba was 'difficult' given United's stance and Madrid's lack of funds.
However, the club have raised around £100m through the sales of Mateo Kovacic, Marcos Llorente and Theo Hernandez in recent weeks, while James Rodriguez is also expected to leave for a significant fee.
That's convinced Madrid that they have the firepower to get a deal over the line for Pogba and ESPN claim the club are now confident of sealing the move.
United want £180m for Pogba and, though they've not deterred from their stance that he's not for sale, that fee would represent twice the fee they paid for the midfielder just three years ago.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has vowed to build his side around Pogba should the Frenchman stay but he'll sign at least one replacement if the club decides to sell.
United have asked Tottenham to keep them informed on Christian Eriksen's future, while Bruno Fernandes is available for around £55m.
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