PAUL POGBA has been pictured in Dubai with Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane.
The Frenchman, 26, has been rehabilitating in the sun and heat with a plastic cast around his right foot and ankle after suffering an injury against Arsenal last month.
Zidane was in the Middle East to take part in the 'Dubai AI in Sports conference' earlier this week.
And pictures released by reveal Pogba exchanging words with Real boss Zidane, who has been eager to bring the United star to Madrid.
The French duo "shared a 10-minute chat" on the beach in Dubai.
Pogba was a transfer target for the La Liga giants in the summer after revealing he was seeking a "new challenge".
Despite going public with his wish to leave Old Trafford, boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer clung onto the French World Cup winner.
But Pogba's meet with Zidane in Dubai comes as a fresh blow to United chiefs, who are already sweating over the futures of many of their top talent.
Solskjaer's side are 12th in the league, TWO points above the relegation zone as they host rivals Liverpool on Sunday.
But Pogba, as well as keeper David De Gea, will not be fit for the clash against the table toppers.
De Gea hobbled out of Spain's Euro 2020 qualifier in Sweden on Tuesday night.
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The former Atletico keeper got back to his feet by himself but limped off the field in clear discomfort after clutching the inside of his thigh.
De Gea was immediately replaced by Chelsea's Kepa Arrizabalaga, and he will now hand over the United jersey to Argentine Sergio Romero this weekend.
And Pogba has failed to recover from an aggravated an ankle problem picked up in the home draw against Arsenal last month.