Manchester United are reportedly looking at the possibility of signing Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale.
The Spanish giants have been trying desperately to get rid of Bale over the last few transfer windows, but to no avail, with clubs baulking at his huge wages.
As per Mundo Deportivo, there have been no offers for Bale, but Manchester United may be interested in signing him, and Madrid are confident that a bid will come in for him from them.
The report says that Madrid will demand around €20 million for Bale, who reportedly earns the highest wages at the Spanish club, at around €15 million per season.
The report further states that no club wants to pay those wages, so Madrid may have to pay off one or two years of his contract, which expires in 2022. Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane does not want Bale at the club.
Gareth Bale to Manchester United – Should Solskjaer go in that direction?
Before his move to Real Madrid, Gareth Bale – a part of Tottenham at the time, was linked with a move to Manchester United. But the Welshman joined the Spanish giants, and after a few good seasons, the relationship between Bale and the Real Madrid management, as well as the fans, has broken down.
Bale was touted to one day become one of the best in the world, and take Cristiano Ronaldo’s place as the main man at Real Madrid. That, though, hasn’t happened as Bale has slid into obscurity.
Manchester United, meanwhile, have stumbled in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho, who is the club’s No. 1 target. The right-wing spot is one that needs to be strengthened before the end of this current transfer window, as Solskjaer doesn’t have too many quality players there.
Mason Greenwood had a solid season in that position, but he is seen as someone who will play through the middle in the future. He could also be Anthony Martial’s deputy in the No. 9 position as Odion Ighalo, the second-choice striker at the club, is set to leave in January.
With the likes of Dan James, Juan Mata, and Andreas Pereira not being good enough, a right-winger is needed. Bale could be a good stop-gap choice for Manchester United, but only if a few conditions are satisfied.
Solskjaer has tried hard to bring in the right player, one that will not spoil the harmony in the dressing room, which has been one of the best things that the Norwegian has done since taking charge. He will have to ensure that Bale doesn’t throw a strop, like he has been guilty of at Madrid.
Bale will also be a short-term option, considering he is 31 and possibly has 3-4 years remaining at the top of the game. This transfer could make sense if United decide to bring in Sancho, or another top quality, young winger next season.