Paul Pogba could be left in limbo as Zidane has ‘found Man Utd midfielder’s replacement’ in Real Madrid kid Valverde – The Sun

PAUL POGBA could be left out in the cold as Zinedine Zidane has reportedly found an alternative to him at Real Madrid.

The French manager has been a long-term admirer of the midfielder – but Fede Valverde has stepped up at the Bernabeu this season.

According to Marca, Zidane could cool his interest in Pogba following the 21-year-old's incredible spell of form.

Pogba's future at Old Trafford is also unclear as he has been out of action for 11 weeks with an ankle injury.

Zidane was desperate to sign the French World Cup winner in the summer to bolster his midfield.

The La Liga giants were reportedly planning a mega £85million plus Gareth Bale deal to tempt United into selling him.

But the French boss could focus on improving other any areas of his team following Valverde's impressive run.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday's El Clasico, Zidane praised the 20-cap Uruguay international.

He said: "He is something that is doing very well and that is the principle of this club, we've always had the best players."

And Valverde has thanked the 47-year-old for showing faith in him this season.

The 21-year-old told Tunel: "[Zidane] has trusted me to be a starter.

"It's not easy to play an inexperienced 21-year-old kid in tough games.

"Even more so when the team wasn't doing well and there was lots of criticism.

"He asks me to work for the team, to show what I can do with the ball.

"He tells me to do the same thing that I do in training – distribute with quality and be careful with my passes – which is fundament for Zidane.

"[He tells me] to get forward, he tells that I have a good middle-distance shot on me, that I'm useful in front of goal."