Manchester United’s plot to sign Gareth Bale from Real Madrid — on the cheap

Manchester United are long-time admirers of Gareth Bale and they are out to land him without coming anywhere close to Madrid's £75m asking price. 

After boss Zinedine Zidane made it clear that Bale has no future at the Bernabeu, Real Madrid are desperately trying to ditch the Welsh winger. So far, there have been no taker, with both Manchester United and his former club, Tottenham rejecting Madrid’s invitation to make a £75million bid.

United on the other hand, are prepared to take Bale on a season-long loan with an option to extend his contract by a further 12 months. That would enable Los Blancos to slash up to £50m off their wage bill over the course of the next two seasons.

Also, United are willing to pay a loan fee to further tempt the Spanish giants, who finished just third this season — a massive 19 points behind bitter rivals and champions Barcelona.

The 29-year-old has four Champions League medals — in last year's final he was man of the match — and the La Liga during his time in Madrid, but the Welsh has also suffered a catalogue of injuries and United’s willingness to spend big on bringing him back to the Premier League has dimmed.

Manchester United, however, are desperate to make a big-name signing this summer to boost their chance of silverware next season — and the Welshman fits the bill perfectly.

The Red Devils are determined to service the huge £480,000-a-week contract Bale signed in 2016 with three years left on that deal – which includes bonuses – but the total package would give him parity with Old Traffold highest earner, Alexis Sanchez.