Real Madrid have reportedly told Manchester United that they want to complete a deal for Paul Pogba by the time the Premier League outfit return to pre-season training on July 1.

The 26-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Bernabeu this summer and last week fuelled speculation that he could leave by admitting that he is open to a "new challenge".

United remain unwilling to consider bids for the World Cup winner, but their stance on his future could change if Pogba pushes for an exit in the coming weeks.

Marca reports that Madrid are keen to wrap up the deal by July 1, when United are due to reconvene for pre-season training.

Los Blancos will begin their pre-season campaign a week later and want Pogba to have an extra week of rest before the Spanish giants travel to North America.

However, Madrid acknowledge that it will not be easy to prise the France international away from Old Trafford, with United understood to be demanding £150m for his services.

Real value Pogba at closer to £106m, although manager Zinedine Zidane is thought to be putting pressure on the club's hierarchy to sign his number one target whatever the price.

Madrid have already been busy this summer, bringing in Rodrygo Goes, Eder Militao, Luka Jovic, Ferland Mendy and Eden Hazard as part of a substantial squad overhaul.