Manchester United’s Paul Pogba hopes appear to have been handed a serious boost, with the Telegraph reporting that Real Madrid are set to up their interest in Newcastle’s Moussa Sissoko.

The 26-year-old was a part of the Magpies' disappointing relegation campaign last term and has been roundly criticised for his lethargic displays as the North East club slipped into the Championship and subsequent vocalisation of his desire to leave St James’ Park.

WANT MORE? >> Manchester United transfer news | Latest transfer news

Although his Newcastle performances attracted much negativity, Sissoko still won a spot in France’s EURO 2016 squad and started for Les Bleus in the final in Paris - a game they lost to Portugal.

Subsequently a host of teams from across Europe have been aligned with the rangy midfielder, and reports claim that Real have highlighted the ex-Toulouse man as the player they will chase if the miss out on Pogba.

ESPN believe that the La Liga side have not yet given up on the 23-year-old, but with The Sun reporting that a £92m transfer to Man United has been agreed, it appears a matter of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’ in terms of the Juventus ace joining Jose Mourinho’s side.

Should Pogba move to Old Trafford, Real will launch a bid for Sissoko, who is, in terms of playing position and physicality, a like-for-like alternative.

Newcastle value their man at £35m, which is a huge sum considering their divisional status, but the Spaniards are hopeful a fee of closer to £30m will be enough.

[ad_pod id='playwire' align='center']