Former Real Madrid midfielder Christian Karembeu has insisted that Paul Pogba is "ready" to join the Spanish giants from Manchester United this summer.

The 26-year-old's future was already the subject of intense speculation before he poured more fuel on the flames earlier this month by admitting that he is open to a "new challenge" following a tumultuous campaign at Old Trafford.

Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain have both been linked with moves for the France international, but Real Madrid have long been regarded as frontrunners for his signature.

Karembeu, who like Pogba won the World Cup with France, believes that his compatriot is at the stage of his career where he can cope with the pressure of playing for Madrid.

When asked whether he wanted Pogba to move to the Bernabeu, Karembeu told El Mundo: "Hopefully. He is a great player, and Zizou knows him from Juventus. He is ready for Madrid, although he will have to prove it. That shirt weighs a lot."

Pogba rejoined United for a then-world-record £89m fee in 2016, going on to score 31 goals in 135 appearances during his second spell at the club.