Chelsea are reportedly fighting Manchester City and Manchester United for the £75m purchase of Real Madrid attacker Gareth Bale.
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According to the Daily Mail, the three-way Premier League transfer tussle has been sparked by a release clause in the former Tottenham Hotspur winger’s contract in Spain.
The clubs are ready to exploit it if they receive encouragement that the Wales international is ready to switch back to England after two seasons in La Liga.
His acquisition would arguably take any of the three suitors to another level next term, such is the explosive nature of his jet-heeled attacking play when he is fully fit.
Bale could be tempted to turn his back on the Bernabeu after a difficult second campaign which has seen supporters of Los Blancos turn on him for a perceived selfishness in front of goal.
Fingers were pointed at the 25-year-old when fans believed he deliberately refused to pass the ball to talisman Cristiano Ronaldo. His vehicle was also attacked recently following a slump in form.