Jose Mourinho with his biggest hint yet that Manchester United want to sign Gareth Bale

Bale's future at Real Madrid has been the subject of intense speculation in recent weeks, with the Spanish giants looking to finances a move for Monaco star Kylian Mbappe that could cost more that £150m.

Mbappe's arrival may see star names sacrificed by Bernabeu chiefs and while Mourinho has made no secret of his admiration for Bale in recent years, these comments ahead of the UEFA Super Cup game against Real Madrid are the clearest indication yet that United are ready to move for the 28-year-old.

"If he is not in the club’s plans, that with the arrival of another player would mean he was on his way out, I will try to be waiting for him on the other side and fight with other coaches that would want him on their team," stated Mourinho, who went on to suggest Bale is a potential match winner for Real Madrid against his United team on Tuesday night.

"Well, if he’s playing tomorrow, it would be because he’s in the coach’s plans and the club’s plans, because he also has that motivation to continue at Real Madrid," stated Mourinho.

"If he plays tomorrow, that is the best confirmation that he is still wanted by the team."

Bale and his agent have confirmed that they have no desire to force through a move away from Real Madrid this summer, with the winger who cost a world record £86m when he signed from Tottenham signing a new contract last October.

Yet the Welshman's persistent injury problems and Real Madrid's apparent desire to find space for teenager Mbappe in their team could see the sand shift from under Bale's feet at the Bernabeu in the next few weeks.

We are a long way from suggesting United or any Premier League club have a realistic chance of signing Bale before the August 31st transfer deadline, but Mourinho has left no doubt that his club will be one of the first in the queue with a big money offer if the player is made available.