Real Madrid have given Manchester United hope of signing world-class forward Gareth Bale next summer, according to The Sun. Bale has enjoyed substantial success since joining Real from Tottenham four years ago, winning the Champions League three times while in the Spanish capital. The 28-year-old has remained a top transfer target for Jose Mourinho, who is reportedly desperate to bring the Welshman to Old Trafford. United were said to be in contact with Real earlier in the summer as they looked to enquire about the possibility of a deal for Bale, but the La Liga giants made it clear he was not for sale.
However, The Sun say Real have indicated that a deal could be struck next year, with United lining up a stunning £90million-plus deal. Bale, who has scored 55 goals in 102 league games for the Spanish club, has endured a difficult year, suffering a number of injuries and being booed by a section of the Real fan base. And it is claimed Mourinho will attempt to entice the former Spurs star back to the Premier League next summer. Speaking about Bale’s future last month, Mourinho claimed he would ‘fight’ to bring the player to United if given any encouragement that a deal could be struck.
‘Well if he’s playing tomorrow [in the UEFA Super Cup], no I wouldn’t think of that, it’s because he’s in the coach’s plans and the club’s plans, because he also has that motivation to continue at Real,’ the Portuguese boss said. ‘So I haven’t even thought about the possibility. ‘If he is not in the club’s plans, that with the arrival of another player would mean he was on his way out, I will try to be waiting for him on the other side and fight with other coaches that would want him on their team. ‘But if he plays tomorrow, that is the best confirmation that he is wanted by the team.’ Real boss Zinedine Zidane, meanwhile, reiterated last week that Bale remained an integral member of his dressing room at the Bernabeu. ‘He’s a key player in the squad. Gareth is Gareth. We keep working hard and we rely on Gareth, just as is the case with the other players,’ the French legend said. Gareth’s situation is good. He had scoring opportunities but did not convert them. We’re going to keep working on this. ‘I can’t criticise my players, quite the contrary. I’m very happy with their work.’
