Manchester United will compete for the signature of Welsh star Gareth Bale, if Real Madrid make him available.

Bale is happy with life in the Spanish capital, but sources close to Real believe that his time could be coming to and end, especially if current boss Zinedine Zidane remains in charge.

The 28-year-old – who became Wales’ all-time leading goalscorer this week – has started just 14 league games for Real so far this year, and has been anything but a certain starter under Zidane.

With the likes of Eden Hazard strongly linked with a move to Madrid, it is understood that Bale could be offered elsewhere.

A host of clubs are keeping tabs on Bale’s situation, and former club Tottenham are one of those – but given their strict wage policy, it would be hard to think they could get anywhere near a deal to bring him back.

And Real sources believe that a move back to England is the most likely option, and they expect Man United and Chelsea to lead the hunt.

Jose Mourinho remains a huge fan of Bale, and I have been told that United would be in the market for Bale whenever he becomes available, be it this summer or beyond that.

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Bookmakers are also convinced that should Bale depart the Santiago Bernabeu, then he will be Old Trafford bound with United 2/1 favourites with Coral.

“There would be no shortage of interest in Gareth Bale should he exit Real Madrid, with Manchester United long linked with the Welshman, and the Old Trafford club and his old side Tottenham are the front-runners in the betting,” said Coral’s David Stevens.