Manchester United boosted in pursuit of Gareth Bale as Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane refuses to rule out Welsh winger exiting the Bernabeu
Jose Mourinho is a big fan of Bale, and Zidane's latest comments will spread euphoria around Old Trafford
MANCHESTER UNITED have been boosted in their pursuit of Gareth Bale after Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane admitted there were no guarantees he will stay at the Bernabeu.
Jose Mourinho is a big fan of the Welsh winger, and with United still looking for further additions to their squad, Bale would feature high on his wish-list.
Speaking after watching his Madrid side slump to a 4-1 friendly defeat against Manchester City in the US, Zidane cast doubt on Bale's future, as well as that of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
The French boss said: "I hope the BBC [Benzema, Bale and Cristiano] stay for this season.
"I hope everyone remains. I want everyone who is here now to stay.
"But anything can happen right up until August 31."
United first made moves for Bale back in 2007, but the then-Southampton player opted to join Spurs.
Fast forward to 2013 and United were again pipped to the signing of the Welsh wizard by Real Madrid, despite matching the offer made by the Spanish outfit.
Manchester United Transfer News
So it could be third time lucky for the Red Devils - and it could all hinge on whether Los Blancos manage to bag Kylian Mbappe.
The La Liga champs have registered their interest in the Monaco wonderkid, and could pursue a record £161m deal for the 18-year-old.
That could threaten the Bale-Benzema-Ronaldo axis at Real Madrid, thus giving fresh hope to Mourinho and United that they might finally get their man.
On being quizzed about the Mbappe transfer, Zidane added: "I'm the coach, you need to speak with someone else about whether or not it is worth it.
"Nothing has happened till now, we have the squad we have."
Bale has previously re-iterated his desire to stay at Real Madrid, saying that he and his family are "happy and settled" at the Spanish giants.
Most Read In Football
Keep up-to-date with all the latest transfer news and gossip in our live blog