Premier League champions Manchester United could make a shock swoop for Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale, according to the Sunday Times.
The paper claimed Red Devils boss David Moyes, who was keen on taking Bale to Old Trafford in the summer, is keeping an eye on the 24-year-old Welshman and how his season progresses at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Just two months ago, the 91-million-euro signing was greeted by thousands of delirious Los Blancos fans on the day of his arrival at the club. But foot and thigh injuries, a lack of pre-season, and a quiet show in his first El Clasico have drawn criticism from the press and fans alike, and raised doubts about whether he will be able to settle long-term in Spain.
The Sunday Times claimed Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is coming under increasing pressure for sanctioning such an expensive transfer, and United are hopeful a deal could be struck at the end of the season. United’s chief executive was keen on tying up a deal in August but was eventually gazumped by Real when they came in with a huge offer.
Bale, the PFA Footballer of the Year, scored 31 goals in all competitions last year as he fired Spurs to fifth place in the Premier League, just missing out on a Champions League spot to Arsenal.
This is a United Dream wish, but a wish is all it remains. Bale is there to stay, he chose Madrid ahead of United and was able to push Tottenham to sell him to Madrid (cheaper, compared to what United would offer). He, Bale, has only started twice this year, he isn’t fully fit, he is yet to adapt to Spanish football. This takes longer than two months. Look at modric, he’s performing well this year.
Bale will succeed, United will fail.