Paul Pogba is ready to push for a summer transfer to Real Madrid – but his hopes of a move are likely to hinge on Manchester United dramatically lowering their £160 million valuation.

Ten months after telling United he wanted to quit for Barcelona, the midfielder has set his heart on a move to Real and that desire has only been strengthened by the Old Trafford club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League.

With United finishing outside the top four for the fourth time in six seasons after Sunday’s dismal 1-1 draw at bottom club Huddersfield, Pogba will miss out on a £1.875m Champions League qualification bonus, although it is understood that would be partly offset by a rise in his basic salary.

United have insisted publicly that Pogba will not be sold but, aware that their record £89m signing is unsettled, they must decide if it is worth keeping an unhappy player against his will.

Ed Woodward, United’s executive vice-chairman, refused to sell Pogba last August when the midfielder told him he wanted to join Barcelona and the player ended up on a public collision course with former manager Jose Mourinho.