The summer transfer window may have only closed just a couple of days ago, but one Manchester United player has already been linked with a move away elsewhere...

What's the word?

Paul Pogba has admitted that he dreams of playing for Real Madrid one day in the future.

When asked to share his thoughts on a potential move to Madrid, the 70-cap French international said: "All football players would love to play for Real Madrid. It is a dream for me, why not one day?"

Pogba is frequently asked about his future when he's away with France, so you have to admire his honesty, but his comments will likely have gone down like a lead balloon back at Old Trafford.

In fact, it's downright disrespectful, especially considering the fact that he has hardly covered himself in glory in recent weeks.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side slumped to a humiliating 6-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in what turned out to be a miserable afternoon for the Frenchman.

Pogba couldn't contribute at either end of the pitch and conceded a penalty by bringing down Ben Davies.

As far as United are concerned, he is well within his rights to angle for a move away, as he will get his wish either way if he doesn't sign a new deal.

However, this isn't the first time he has been accused of disrespecting the club for speaking so publicly about transfer rumours and the Red Devils have every right to feel aggrieved as they have put up with his errant behaviour for so long.

So, Solskjaer should start to plan for life without Pogba by starting Donny van de Beek instead.

Waiting in the wings?

Ed Woodward signed Van de Beek in the summer but he has mainly been used as a substitute so far.

The Dutch international scored eight goals and supplied five assists in the Eredivisie last term, whilst averaging 1.9 shots, 1.8 key passes and at least 1 dribble per game, as per WhoScored.

Pogba, on the other hand, could only muster one goal and three assists in the Premier League.

If he was producing consistent performances on a regular basis, then perhaps all may be forgiven, but this is simply not the case.

By his standards, Pogba has had a poor start to the season, so it could be argued that Solskjaer needs someone to step in as a deep-lying playmaker and that's what Van de Beek can do, but only if he is given the chance to prove himself.

Most importantly, he has made it clear he wants to play for the club, whilst Pogba is telling the whole world he wants to move to Madrid.

At 23 years of age, Van de Beek could be the perfect long-term replacement for Pogba, so long as Solskjaer and co. can give him the game time he needs.

AND in other news, Man Utd may live to regret missing out on Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish...