Real Madrid expect Manchester United to make an offer for Gareth Bale, according to reports. The Red Devils have spent most of the transfer window trying to sign Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund. But, with the England international proving problematic to sign, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side may change tact.
Manchester United’s interest in Bale dates back to when Sir Alex Ferguson ruled the roost.
The Scot thought he stood a chance at signing the player during his time at Southampton, only to end up missing out to Tottenham.
When it became clear Bale would be leaving Spurs Ferguson was again confident of landing him but, after retiring, the club saw the Wales international move to Real Madrid instead.
Now, Bale is poised to leave the Bernabeu having fallen down Zinedine Zidane’s pecking order.
Express Sport understands the 31-year-old is on United’s radar again, with Sancho currently beyond their reach and likelier to stay at Borussia Dortmund as a result.
And Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo claim Real expect United to make an offer for the Wales international before the transfer window shuts on October 5.
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They’re confident the Red Devils will come calling for the forward, who was also eyed by Jose Mourinho during his own time in charge of Stamford Bridge.
But Real know that, with Bale earning £15million a year over in Spain, they may have to give him a pay-off in order to cut him loose.
Tottenham have also been linked with a move for their former No 11 but that’s unlikely, with Mourinho’s current side strapped for cash because of the coronavirus crisis.
Meanwhile, speaking recently, Bale admitted he’d be open to a move back to the Premier League.
"If those options arise (interest from Premier League clubs) it is something I'd look at for sure," he said.
"We'll see what happens, we have plenty of time in this transfer window and a couple of others as well. Time will tell but mainly I think the reason is that the decision is in Real Madrid's hands.
"I tried to leave last year but they blocked everything at the last second. It was a project I was excited for but it didn't materialise.
"There have been other instances where we have tried to go but the club won't allow it or they've done something. It's down to the club.”
Bale has won every trophy available to him during his time at the Bernabeu.
But he’s insisted he’s still angry for major trophies, adding: "I want to play football, I am still motivated to play football, so I guess it's on the club.
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