Zinedine Zidane attempted to pour cold water on rumours linking Real Madrid with a summer move for Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, although the Los Blancos head coach also seemed to suggest a pursuit is possible.

The club are expected to be busy in the transfer window, but Zidane refused to comment on a possible move for his compatriot.

“All I am saying is that, if you ask me about Pogba now, I will tell you that Pogba is a Manchester United player,” said the French coach. “That is all. He is very good, he plays for Manchester United.”

Real, who have endured a difficult season, host Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.

Zidane will continue to experiment with his side having little to play for – Real are third, nine points behind second-placed Atletico Madrid and 10 clear of Getafe in fourth with three games of the season remaining.

Real have struggled for consistency under the Frenchman with four wins, two draws and two defeats since he returned in the wake of their Champions League exit at the hands of Ajax.