Man United to sign Gareth Bale if Mbappe joins Real Madrid

Manchester United have long been linked with a move for Gareth Bale and he could be on his way to Old Trafford - but not until next season.

The Daily Express, citing Don Balon in Spain as it source, says there is a secret agreement in place with Real Madrid for Bale to make a move back to England.

The fee would be £90m assuming that Bale, who has suffered a number of injury setbacks in Spain, stays fit.

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The report claims Bale, who has won eight major trophies in Spain since moving from Spurs four years ago, wants to play at the Bernabeu for one more year even though he is facing strong competition from the likes of Isco for his place in the starting line-up.

The arrival of Kylian Mbappe in Madrid would smooth the way for a Bale move, with the Monaco star Madrid's number one transfer target for the summer. However, the young Frenchman is happy at Monaco and could wait another year before heading to the Bernabeu.

United's interest in the winger dates back to the days when Alex Ferguson was in charge at Old Trafford and Bale was coming through the ranks at Southampton. David Moyes also tried to sign the Wales superstar when he was at Old Trafford but he opted for Real Madrid instead.

Speaking earlier this week, Bale did his best to dampen any talk of a return to Britain by insisting he had not received an offer from Old Trafford.

"The truth is that I do not read any of that. Logically I am a British player and I am always linked with a return home," he told Marca when asked about United's interest.

"It happened with Beckham, with other Englishmen who came to Spain. Nothing new. I am happy playing in Madrid… if there has been nothing concrete, no offer, there is nothing to discuss."