Blues could also bid for in-demand Spurs ace.
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Chelsea could enter the race to sign in-demand Tottenham star Gareth Bale, it has emerged, with incoming Blues manager Jose Mourinho keen to spend big in this summer’s transfer window.
Mourinho has been confirmed as leaving current club Real Madrid at the end of the season, and he has supposedly already held talks to rejoin his former club Chelsea to replace interim manager Rafael Benitez next season.
Rumour has it, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will hand the Portuguese coach a massive £100million to spend in the upcoming transfer window, and a number of big names have been linked with the Europa League winners already.
Mourinho had been linked with a big-money raid on Real, as he is apparently keen to take the likes of Sami Khedira and Luka Modric with him to Stamford Bridge, as well as shock bid for former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, he may be priced out of a move for Ronaldo, as big-spending PSG are said to be preparing an offer of up to £100million for the 28-year-old, while Bale could be available for around £60million.
Bale has had a phenomenal season for Spurs this year, finishing with 26 goals and winning both the PFA and Football Writers’ Player of the Year awards for his dazzling displays in the Premier League. His fine form has seen him become a prime target for Real Madrid, with Manchester United also mentioned as being keen on the Welshman.
However, Mourinho is determined to bring Bale to Chelsea as he looks like missing out on several other top targets. The Blues had been chasing the likes of Isco and Edinson Cavani, but both seem set for moves to Manchester City instead. He had also apparently identified Robert Lewandowski as a top target, but the Borussia Dortmund striker appears to have chosen a move to Bayern Munich.
Mourinho may go as high as £70million to try and force Spurs’ hand, though they are hoping to keep the 23-year-old for at least one more season by offering him a new £200,000 a week contract, before agreeing in principle to sell him for around £50million next summer if they fail once again to qualify for the Champions League.
The incoming Chelsea manager would possibly play Bale upfront if he signs him, as he hopes to keep the creative trio of Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and Oscar as his first choice attacking midfield three, providing service to the former Southampton star, who certainly looks a more dangerous goal threat than Fernando Torres has in recent seasons.
Real Madrid are said to be preparing backup offers for the likes of Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney and Liverpool’s Luis Suarez if they miss out on Bale.