Manchester United are considering a deal for out-of-favour Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale, as the premiership side cools off interest in Borussia Dortmund prodigy Jadon Sancho.
Sancho was thought to be Utd’s main target in the transfer window, but with deadline day only a fortnight away and the EPL already in full swing, it is thought that the club is not averse to a deal for Bale.
While terms with the player have been agreed, Utd have reportedly abandoned their interest in Sancho for now, with Borussia Dortmund’s asking price of around £108 million prohibitively expensive when it comes to structuring a deal with a sufficient up-front payment for the German side.
According to Sport, the the 31-year-old Bale, who earns 15 million euros annually (£265,000-a-week), is unwilling to take a pay cut, with Read Madrid desperate to let him go.
The two time PFA Player of the Year has won every major title with the Spanish giants but last season, the Welshman spent majority of the time outside the starting XI because Zidane preferred the likes Rodrygo, Vinicius, Hazard and even Vazquez ahead of him.
In an interview with Sky News last week while on international duty, the Welsh international expressed regret at Madrid continually frustrating any move from the Bernabeu.
“I tried to leave last year but they [Real Madrid] blocked everything at the last second,” Bale told Sky Sports. “It was a project I was excited for last year but it didn’t materialise. And there have been other instances but the club won’t allow it or something, so it’s up to the club.
“I want to play football. I’m still motivated to play football. I’m 31 but I’m in great shape still and I feel I’ve got a lot to give. We’ll see what happens. It’s in the club’s hands and they make things very difficult to be honest.”
A move, even to the EPL, would depend on the bosses in Madrid.
“It’s not really in my hands. If those options arise, it’s something I’d look at for sure. We’ll see what happens. We have plenty of time in this transfer window and a couple of others as well. Time will tell and, mainly, the decision is in Real Madrid’s hands.”