Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale may leave the club between now and next season, according to reports in Spain.
The Wales international has failed to make the most of the opportunity to replace Cristiano Ronaldo as the main man at the Bernabeu this season as the team struggles under new manager Julen Lopetegui.
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That could be down to a number of factors, but did anyone expect Bale to replicate Ronaldo’s heroics? He’s nowhere near the same player and, with the exception of two or three, few are close.
According to Don Balon, Bale’s future now looks to lie away from Madrid, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham all making him offers to return to the Premier League.
Of those clubs, it seems the 29-year-old would lean towards joining United, despite Don Balon also claiming the Reds don’t currently look prepared to pay over-the-odds for Bale’s signature.
A class player no doubt, Bale’s age and valuation should be an instant push factor in any deal. Los Blancos won’t let him leave on a free and United had their chance to sign him this past summer, though nothing materialised.
The same report looks at the possibility of a swap deal with Chelsea involving Eden Hazard, while it is stated that the La Liga giants would prefer Neymar.
Another swap deal is talked up in the report, but it involves a return to Spurs for Bale with Harry Kane going the opposite direction.