Gareth Bale’s representatives have reportedly told Real Madrid that if he isn’t deployed in a more central role then he will join Manchester United, according to the Metro.
Bale has repeatedly been linked with a return to the Premier League recently, with Manchester United being touted as his most likely destination following reports of a rocky relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo (via Metro).
However, there have been reports that Real could be willing to sell Ronaldo, who turns 31 in February, to Paris Saint Germain (via Metro) meaning that Bale’s role could be freed up in the side.
And though there’s no doubt that Ronaldo is still the focal point of the team, his sale will depend a lot on whether Bale can step up and fill his boots, which is something Guillem Balague believes is possible.
“Quite clearly a lot will depend on Gareth Bale, will Bale be strong enough to take on the responsibility of being the leader of Real Madrid?” Balague told the Sports Bar quoted on talkSPORT.
“Yes, he’s had important games but he’s missed 20 per cent of Real’s games through injury, so can he did it consistently enough?
“I think he can, I think he’s prepared. I’ve watched Wales play and in Bale I see a guy who is powerful, who can attack on his own and is a leader.”
However, Balague believes Bale will be open to a return to England, though he will use his current position to his advantage.
“Bale’s people went to Florentino and told him, ‘unless you give him a central role, we’re going to Manchester United.”
“The promise from the club was that he would get that central role, and the briefing to Rafa Benitez was, ‘I know you’re the coach, but we’ve got a guy here that needs more responsibility.
“Bale is being tested to see if he can replace Ronaldo, and if they feel halfway through the season that is the case, then Ronaldo can go,” he added.
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