Manchester United could move for Gareth Bale if he is benched for Champions League final

Manchester United hold a reasonable chance of signing Gareth Bale this summer, should he fail to make the starting lineup for Real Madrid’s Champions League final against Juventus.

The Wales international has endured an injury-hit campaign with the Europa League holders and has not featured for the club since limping off during the 3-2 El Clasico defeat to Barcelona last month.

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo cites that Jose Mourinho’s side could retain their interest in the flying Welshman if Zinedine Zidane decides to ignore him for the first XI in Cardiff.

Bale has played a key role in Los Blancos’ recent European triumphs, but his place remains a doubt for the weekend following Isco’s brilliant form for the Spanish champions.

Isco has contributed four goals and three assists in his last 10 outings for Los Blancos and his influence on the pitch has earned him plaudits from the club’s faithful.

Bale has not played any part for Los Blancos over the past month or so, and there is a distinct possibility that Isco will get the call with the former having no match practice under his belt.

The former Tottenham Hotspur had been pursued by former United boss David Moyes prior to his switch to Real Madrid in 2013, and the club’s hierarchy have since kept a close watch on his proceedings.

Bale has rarely featured on the left side of the attack due to the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo, and he could be tempted by an Old Trafford move with the promise of playing in his preferred position.

Mourinho’s team have lacked a leader in the frontline barring the presence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and the arrival of Bale could provide them the impetus to contest for the Premier League and Champions League crown next season.

Bale, 27, netted 26 goals during his final season at Spurs, and a return to England could be a blessing in disguise for the attacker, who has suffered numerous injuries at the Bernabeu.

Image – Getty