Kroos ready to fight for his place after signing new Madrid contract

Toni Kroos has warned reported Real Madrid target Paul Pogba and other would-be signings he will not give up his starting spot without a fight after agreeing to a new contract at the Bernabeu.

The likes of Pogba, Eden Hazard and Kylian Mbappe have been heavily linked with Real as the Spanish giants look to regroup after a largely miserable campaign.

While Kroos admits he is a fan of Manchester United midfielder Pogba, he insists he is ready to take on all-comers in the battle for game time at the Bernabeu.

Speaking to the media after committing himself to Real until June 2023, the Germany international, when asked about Pogba, said: “We can talk about many names. I like this player but nothing changes for me.

“I will continue doing what I’ve done all these years, fighting for my place, playing well, and when I’m at a good level I think I have no problems.”

Kroos was also quizzed about the possible signing of Pogba’s World Cup-winning team-mate Mbappe.

Fresh speculation linking the quicksilver forward with Real has emerged in recent days but, with the 20-year-old costing Paris St Germain in excess of £125million, Kroos feels such transfer talk is above his pay grade.