Real Madrid remain pessimistic about their chances of signing Paul Pogba this summer because the player's wages would create huge discontent in a dressing room that has already accepted one pay cut and is braced for another.
Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane remains a huge fan of his compatriot but the financial effects of LaLiga's lockdown, due to end on June 11 but with all remaining games played behind closed doors, is already being felt at the club.
And although a swap deal for Pogba involving multiple players would help Real Madrid trim their bloated squad – 36 players if all loanees return this summer – the 27-year-old's wages still remain a massive stumbling block.