There are reports in Spain that Real Madrid have set a date to complete Paul Pogba’s move from Manchester United.

The France international has been heavily linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu as Zinedine Zidane sees him as a potentially important part of his dream Los Blancos.

According to Marca, the Spanish giants have set an ambitious target to seal the signing of Paul Pogba: July 1, the day Manchester United return for pre-season training.

They want him now in order to avoid Pogba returning to United for pre-season.

The hierarchy at the Santiago Bernabeu know that the Frenchman’s arrival will not be easy, due to the cost involved and United’s position on the move.

Real Madrid are, in practical terms, targeting just two weeks to complete the deal.

But Old Trafford club have been unwilling to negotiate Pogba’s exit, though his statements on Sunday may change their position.

The former Juventus player told reporters in Tokyo, during a promotional event for Adidas, that a move could be imminent.

“This season has been my best.

“However with everything that has happened (at United), i think it could be a good time to have a new challenge somewhere else.

“i am already thinking about this and what a new challenge could be.”

According to as, Real Madrid have been encouraging transfer targets to speak out in public to put pressure on their clubs to start conversations with Madrid.

This is the 26-year-old’s first step towards trying to force the transfer as he signals his intent while also opting to go public in his desire to leave.

There have been more aggressive tactics used in the past as players have looked to force their way out, but his declarations are nevertheless significant after being named as Zinedine Zidane’s No.1 target.