THIS TIME IT’S FOR REAL
United convinced it will be third time lucky as they plot new summer raid for injury-hit Bale
MANCHESTER UNITED will make a third attempt to sign Gareth Bale, with the Real Madrid star set to be available next summer.
Bale has missed 40 of his club’s last 60 games through injury, but that has not deterred United.
The Reds lost out when he moved to the Bernabeu from Spurs in 2013 and again last year
before he agreed a contract extension until 2022 with Real.
Selling Bale for a then world record £85million, chairman Daniel Levy (above, watching a Champions League match with Rod Stewart behind him) insisted on a clause giving Tottenham first option on a buy-back.
That runs until summer 2019, but the wage structure at Spurs is lower than United’s. Bale has a calf problem which is expected to sideline him for the rest of the year.
Real have grown tired of his run of injuries and are believed to be ready to offload him at the end of the season.
United are convinced Jose Mourinho’s approach and handling of the player could help keep him off the treatment table.
Apart from his debut season, Bale was rarely injured during six years at White Hart Lane, where he blossomed into a world-class talent.
Mourinho revealed his desire to sign the Wales star on the eve of the season when he said he would be “fighting with the other coaches who would like to have him on their team”.
Despite Real’s willingness to listen to offers, United are likely to have to come close to the £85m the Spaniards paid for him, given he has four years left on his contract.