Manchester United chiefs believe Real Madrid lack the funds to buy Paul Pogba.

The Daily Mail says United dismissed a bid from Real of £27.6m plus James Rodriguez last week which only reinforced the view that the Spaniards do not have enough money to finance a move for Pogba in this transfer window.

It's understood United would have considered offers of around £170m before the Premier League transfer deadline last week, but it seems unthinkable they would sell Pogba now when there is no chance of signing a replacement.

It follows another summer of uncertainty in which the 26-year-old told team-mates he wasn't going to turn up for United's pre-season tour but then reported for duty on time.

It seems the midfielder will have to wait until next summer to try again for the move he wants when there will only be a year left on his contract. United have an option to extend it by a further 12 months, but they will be in a weaker bargaining position than now.