- Real Madrid could sell a star player in the near future, with Manchester United and Chelsea interested
- Gareth Bale’s latest injury has seen him made available for transfer for £85million
- United have twice tried to sign Bale before, but face competition for his signature
- READ MORE: Football Manager 2018 wonderkids
Real Madrid have reportedly become open to selling Gareth Bale if they receive £85million for him, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham named as suitors for the Welshman.
According to the Daily Mirror, Bale’s latest injury blow looks to be the final straw for him at the Bernabeu, having largely disappointed in recent seasons with struggles for both fitness and form.
The Mirror claim United have twice tried to sign Bale before, and this may be their best chance to finally snap him up as Madrid seemingly relax their stance over keeping him.
However, Chelsea and Bale’s former club Tottenham are also interested, and it remains to be seen if the Red Devils will continue to push hard to land the 28-year-old.
Would Bale still be a top transfer target for Manchester United?
Reports from ESPN earlier this season suggested United were still interested in Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann, so while Bale is a similar style of player, it may be that the Frenchman is Jose Mourinho’s preferred target for that role.
Griezmann is younger, has a better recent record with injuries and arguably looks a more prolific goalscorer, even if he lacks Bale’s blistering pace and all-round athleticism.
Another recent claim made by ESPN is that Mourinho was highly frustrated with United for failing to sign a winger like Ivan Perisic in the summer, and Bale could be viewed as a more natural wide-player than Griezmann.