Man Utd want Gareth Bale to press for Real Madrid exit before launching transfer bid

MANCHESTER UNITED want Gareth Bale to press for a move away from Real Madrid before launching a transfer bid, according to reports.

Gareth Bale leaves new team-mate hanging for a handshake

Manchester United continue to be linked with a move for Real Madrid star Bale, despite the Wales international expressing his content with life at the Bernabeu.

They first tried to sign him during his days as a youngster at Southampton, but Tottenham ultimately won the race for his signature.

United then attempted to sign him from Spurs four years ago but, despite David Moyes offering to pay £120million, were forced to watch as he chose a move to Real instead.

Express Sport understands Jose Mourinho is an admirer, but is willing to wait a year before trying his luck.

Manchester United want Gareth Bale to ask to leave Real Madrid

And Spanish outlet Don Balon claims the Red Devils manager wants Bale to publicly state his desire to leave Madrid before launching an offer.

It is said that, in doing this, United hope Real's asking price will drop.

The report adds that, though they have earmarked him as a huge signing, Mourinho is not willing to rush any potential transfer.

It is supposedly for that reason why he is continuing to press ahead with a £42million deal for Inter Milan's Ivan Perisic.

United have spent much of the summer chasing the Croatia international but have been unable to striker a deal with Inter.

Manchester United Real Madrid Gareth Bale Transfer NewsGETTY

Manchester United want Gareth Bale to state his desire to quit Real Madrid

Manchester United Real Madrid Gareth Bale Transfer NewsGETTY

Manchester United want Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic as a Gareth Bale alternative

However, now a deal for Matic has been wrapped up, the Red Devils are expected to focus their efforts on prising him away from the Serie A giants. 

Mourinho confirmed last week that a winger was on his radar.

"I would like one player [to be] a midfield player, [that] would give me more options to the balance and the team," he said prior to the Matic transfer.

"Another one an attacking player, especially that can play through the wings to give me more attacking options but I never speak about players that belong to other teams."

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