Manchester United could yet pursue Gareth Bale move

Posted Thursday, July 27, 2017 by ESPN

Manchester United are prepared to attempt to sign Gareth Bale this summer if Real Madrid indicate that he is available, sources have told ESPN FC.

Bale was not on Jose Mourinho's original list of targets despite his desire to sign a winger, with the United manager believing Madrid wanted to keep the Wales international.

However, reports in Spain suggest Bale could now be allowed to leave if Madrid secure a world-record move for Monaco striker Kylian Mbappe.

Spanish newspaper Marca -- which has close ties to Bernabeu president Florentino Perez -- reported on Tuesday that the European champions have reached agreement in principle over a £161 million deal for 18-year-old Mbappe, whose arrival would put pressure on Bale.

Madrid have offloaded Alvaro Morata to Chelsea and James Rodriguez to Bayern Munich, but coach Zinedine Zidane would still have to accommodate Mbappe into a forward line that already boasts Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Isco and Marco Asensio.

United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is a long-time admirer of Bale, 28, having tried to sign him when he left Tottenham for Madrid in 2013.

Mourinho said ahead of United's preseason friendly with Real in Santa Clara last week that Bale was not a target because he did not want to "lose time and energy" on a deal he felt would be difficult to complete.

However, that stance would change if Bale is told he faces a reduced role at the Bernabeu next season.

Sources have told ESPN FC that Bale, under contract until 2022, is happy in the Spanish capital and would only consider leaving if he became surplus to requirements.

Mourinho confirmed this week that he wants "an attacking player to play through the wings" as one of two additional signings before the close of the transfer window.

Ivan Perisic has been identified as a possible solution, but Inter Milan have held firm in their valuation of £48.5m -- a price United have so far refused to meet.