Gareth Bale open to joining Manchester United from Real Madrid

Gareth Bale is open to leaving Real Madrid for a move to Manchester United according to reports.

The Independent claims that a potential transfer is ‘much likelier’ to happen this summer than at any other point in Bale’s four-year stint in the Spanish capital.

While Madrid president Florentino Perez is keen to keep the 27-year-old, other members of Madrid’s hierarchy are believed to be open to allowing the Wales international to leave the club.

And should Madrid decide to cash in, it’s claimed that Bale would agree a move to Old Trafford.

Jose Mourinho, meanwhile, is said to be an admirer of Bale but is adamant that the club should prioritise the signing of Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid.

The Spanish club would ideally like to keep the France international this summer but would be powerless if United activated the forward’s £89 million release clause.

Reports in Spain have also claimed this week that Mourinho already has an agreement in place with Griezmann’s camp over a summer transfer.

Bale has been sidelined since Madrid’s 3-2 defeat at home to Barcelona on April 23 and is now in a race to be fit for the Champions League final in Cardiff on June 3.

In his absence, Isco has been one of Madrid’s standout stars and former United captain Roy Keane believes the Welshman is facing a fight to win back his place in Zinedine Zidane’s side.

‘Isco has been brilliant recently and you would expect Bale would have to play in the league games to start in the final,’ he told ITV.

‘He is under pressure and that goes to show the strength in depth that Real have.’