Gareth Bale: Manchester United on red alert

Real’s interest in Kylian Mbappe has intensified speculation that Bale could end up leaving the Bernabeu. Knowing Mourinho, these comments may also be a nudge in the back of Ed Woodward, but a potential ulterior motive doesn’t make them any less true.

Metro says Forsberg would likely command a similar £35m price tag to Perisic given his stellar performances last season for RB Leipzig. Zidane changed the team tactically and allowed Isco to have a lot of freedom. Bale has won the Champions League three times, scoring in the 2014 victory over city rivals Atletico Madrid.

That all said, he seems to be perma-linked with a move to Manchester United.

The experience of the 31-year-old captain in the heart of the back-line has been badly missed by Los Blancos in the first two games of Los Blancos’ pre-season.

If somehow Jose Mourinho were to capture the signature of Bale, the Red Devils attack would be practically unstoppable.

If the player is available, then United must do what they can to buy him, since he is exactly what they need, even after the purchase of Romelu Lukaku.

Hazard is now recovering from the ankle injury he suffered during worldwide duty but Conte expects him to stay at Stamford Bridge and help Chelsea retain their Premier League title next season. Bale’s class is undoubted, and he would not leave Madrid under a cloud – he has been very much a success there.

Bale, though, remains committed to Real Madrid, meaning it would take a substantial offer to persuade him to join Manchester United.

Until recently, Gareth Bale has been in that category.

Both Oxlade-Chamberlain and Barkley are entering the final year of their contracts with Arsenal and Everton, respectively, and come with the bonus of having Premier League experience.

This year, Paris St Germain’s pursuit of Neymar can be seen as the major catalyst in a series of moves among many of Europe’s biggest clubs.