Manchester United remain firm favourites to land Gareth Bale, should Real Madrid sanction his exit.

As we revealed earlier this year, United made it clear to both Real and Bale’s representatives that they would be in the market for him if he was available.

Sources close to Bale have told me that the Welshman – who was the hero for Real with two goals in their Champions League final win over Liverpool on Saturday – is very happy in the Spanish capital, but he would looks at his options if he was told he was surplus to requirements.

Zinedine Zidane used Bale sparingly this season but he was dogged by injury and Real’s hierarchy are not actively trying to move him on – but they will listen to what the player has to say.

Bale is to have talks shortly with Real to decide his immediate future – and United are awaiting the outcome – as are Chelsea, who like United would be keen and they are one of the few clubs who could give Bale his wage of over £300,000-a-week.

Bale’s former club Tottenham have a clause in their deal with Real that allows them first refusal and the ability to match any offer, and whilst they could possibly pay the fee – they would get nowhere near his personal terms.

Bookmakers are convinced that if Bale does leave then it will be for Old Trafford, but they are Evens that he stays with Real.

Betfred spokesman Peter Spencer said: “Normally Bale and his agent are so considered with their comments about the future of currently the best British player so his post-final interview proves beyond doubt all is not rosy at the Bernabeu.

“After his two–goal salvo in the 3-1 defeat of Liverpool Bale didn’t play lip service and spoke from the heart admitting he was disappointed not to get the nod from Zinedine Zidane to start after showing great form of late and that he and his agent would soon be sitting down to sort out his future.

“We have him Evens to stay however but that could change as doubts remain over legend Ronaldo’s immediate future with the Spanish aristocrats.”