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This article is part of Football FanCast's Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news...

Speaking to The Daily Express, Sergio Ramos has revealed Paul Pogba would be more than welcome to join Real Madrid.

What's the word?

Pogba's name was linked with a move away from Manchester United for the best part of the summer, and reports had suggested Madrid were "increasingly confident" they could get their man.

However, a deal for the 26-year-old failed to materialise, and the France World Cup winner stayed put at Old Trafford. Now, Ramos has hailed the midfielder as a "great player", and opened the door for a future Madrid move.

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He said: "I think Real Madrid always has the door open for good players such as him. For me, Pogba is one of the great players. He is different and he has shown his value at Juventus and now Manchester United. I think he brings balance to a team. He has a great offensive influence and he has this amazing physique."

Never-ending saga

Madrid and Barcelona stars do love stirring the pot don't they? Players of the two La Liga giants have never been shy in voicing their opinions on potential transfer targets for their respective clubs, and it is often such a blatant showing of 'tapping up'.

Who can ever forget Cesc Fabregas being forced to wear a Barcelona shirt by Gerard Pique in 2010?

Ramos' pretty open comments on Pogba are therefore no surprise. It is likely the beginning of a period of relentless mind games Los Blancos will play over the course of the coming months as they bid to force through a transfer for the United star.

Whilst Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will undoubtedly look to straight-bat any rumours, it is difficult to see the Red Devils hanging on to the Frenchman for an extended amount of time.

More than anything, the United boss has to ensure the midfielder's long-term future is dealt with swiftly - whether that's internally or in public. If not, they risk becoming involved in the circus act that often develops when Madrid or Barcelona come calling for a player.

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