Real Madrid to sign Sissoko if Pogba deal fails: Reports

Madrid, July 28 (IANS) European football champions Real Madrid are preparing an offer for Newcastle United's French midfielder Moussa Sissoko in case they fail to sign Juventus star Paul Pogba, who is close to moving to Manchester United, according to media reports.

Sissoko, who shone with his national team throughout Euro 2016, is a target for Real Madrid in the current summer market, especially if Pogba's move to the Red Devils is confirmed, reported the Telegraph.

The newspaper noted that Newcastle coach Rafa Benitez knows about the Whites' plan for Sissoko, adding that the English side will take no less than 35 million euros ($38.8 million) for the 26-year-old, according to Efe.

Real Madrid are also keen on Italian Marco Verratti, 23, from Paris Saint-Germain.

However, signing Verratti would be hard for Madrid as Paris Saint-Germain's new coach, the Spanish Unai Emery, is pursuing the Champions League title and will not give up any of his stars.