Mourinho has made it clear that he wants to bring in one more wide player before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

And recent reports have suggested he could make a big-money offer to tempt Bale into moving to Old Trafford.

The Wales international has struggled with injury issues in the past couple of seasons in Spain and has come under scrutiny from the Madrid fans.

The La Liga giants have also been linked with a move for Kylian Mbappe but they would need to raise funds to put together a bid for the Monaco sensation.

Bale has been rumoured as the likeliest to make way for the 18-year-old and United are prepared to pay up to £90m to sign the former Tottenham star.

But Liverpool legend Rush believes Bale would be wise to remain at Madrid as any move away from the Bernabeu would be a step down.

“If he’s happy then ­Gareth should stay in Spain, 100 per cent," Rush told the Irish Mirror. "He has improved as a player.

"He’s got great players like Cristiano Ronaldo to keep ­learning from. There are not many better clubs in the world than Real Madrid.

Ian Rush believes Gareth Bale should stay at Real Madrid
Ian Rush believes all the top Premier League clubs would be in for Bale if he became available

“I know that if he decided to come to England he would have the choice of all the top clubs here.

"Manchester United, ­Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool would all want him.

“There’s always a time and a place to come back but I don’t think it should be now. He is still relatively young.”