Toni Kroos has been linked with a move away from Real Madrid in recent months and Manchester United are one of the interested parties.

Jose Mourinho reportedly faces a battle with old adversary Pep Guardiola in the race to sign the 28-year-old midfielder, who is valued at £72m by Transfermarkt.

If the German did make the move to Old Trafford, it would be likely that he would slot into a 4-3-3 formation alongside Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba, adding the balance between midfield and attack that has been lacking under Mourinho.

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Yet, after another dominant performance as Madrid swept aside last season's finalists Juventus 3-0 in the first leg of their quarter-final clash last night, it was clear that he could well put Pogba in the shade if he made the move to Old Trafford.

Under the most intense of pressure, he had 107 touches - the most of any Madrid player - and ran the game from the deep playmaker role. Pogba is yet to do similar in a United shirt, and there is no doubt that is what he has been brought in to do.

That included 98 passes, with 96 per cent pass accuracy as he yet again proved his ability to dominate proceedings in the most refined company.

Two key passes and four tackles shows that he is making an impact at both ends as well; he is not just a playmaker who doesn't impact play.

Even at 28, he is the real deal and he should show Pogba that he is on the next level to him if he arrived at Old Trafford.