Real Madrid and Manchester United have previous issues when it comes to transfer dealings – and that’s an understatement.
David Beckham, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Cristiano Ronaldo all swapped Old Trafford for the Bernabeu in 2003, 2006 and 2009 respectively, while Angel Di Maria headed in the opposite direction for £59.7 million two years ago.
The latter’s big-money move is the last time a player completed a switch between the two clubs, though that’s not without trying.
In 2015, Real tried desperately to sign David de Gea from United but failed in their attempts at the last hurdle, having submitted the paperwork too late.
And earlier this year, in the summer transfer window, Los Blancos, and the Red Devils went head-to-head for Paul Pogba, who would later return to Manchester in a £89 million deal.
A fresh revelation has now been made by Zinedine Zidane and according to the Frenchman, Real “could have” signed Pogba.
Asked about the pursuit by French radio station RMC recently, he said: “It could have happened.
“There were conversations (to sign him), but it didn’t go ahead.”
Pogba eventually secured a world-record return to United and based on the start he’s made at the Theatre of Dreams, Zidane might be glad a move to Real didn’t transpire.
Los Blancos have enough midfield talent as it is, with Toni Kross, Luka Modric, Isco, James Rodriguez and Casemiro all available for selection.
Such strength in depth hasn’t paid dividends in recent times, though, with Real having drawn each of their last four games.
Zidane insists he isn’t worried by his side’s form but claims there may be a psychological problem at hand.
Following last weekend’s 1-1 draw at home to Eibar, the 44-year-old said: “Right now, we are having trouble at the start of the matches, but we are looking for a solution.
“Right now it is complicated. I must fix the problem, but I think the problem is psychological, not physical.
“I have talked to the players about the rotations. They are necessary because if you don’t play enough you can’t play well when the team really needs you.”
Zidane made headlines last month for substituting Ronaldo against Las Palmas, prompting an angry response from the Portuguese superstar.
“Cristiano? It is normal that he gets angry when we take him out, that is good,” he added. “He wants to play all the time and help the club.
“That is good, but I don’t think anyone can play 60 matches in one season.
“After the Euros, he needed some time to rest. In 1998, I returned too soon and I had a horrible season.”