Real Madrid are prepared to sell Gareth Bale to Manchester United for a world record £90m in order to raise funds to sign Chelsea’s Eden Hazard.
Fichajes reports that the Belgian is a top target for the European champions and has been for several months, but Chelsea’s willingness to keep hold of the player will provide a stumbling block.
Real are aware that Louis van Gaal is a huge fan of Bale, who Real signed ahead of United in 2013. United are looking to rebuild their squad and after a huge £150m outlay last summer it appears that their spending is showing no signs of a conclusion.
Bale’s place in the Real Madrid team has been under question in recent weeks, because of criticism about his attitude to defensive work. The Welshman has also been out injured, with Spaniard Isco coming in to replace him and endearing himself to the Madrid faithful and coaching staff.
But Madrid would consider a £90m bid for Bale according to the report, and would use the money to attempt to sign Hazard from Premier League leaders Chelsea.
Meanwhile, in Barcelona, Gerard Pique has been linked with a possible return to the Premier League in recent months after struggling to retain his place in the Barcelona team of late.
The defender has been a regular on the bench for Luis Enrique in recent games after below par performances, and with his manager publicly humiliating him in the 2-1 win against Almeria, it may be the final straw for Pique.
After Barcelona had used all three substitutes, Luis Enrique still asked Pique to keep warming up, even though he had no chance of playing a part in the match.
With former club Manchester United keeping tabs on the Spaniard’s situation as well as Premier League rivals Chelsea, Pique could well make a return to England in January.
Pique has not featured for Barcelona since they lost to Real Madrid in October and was omitted from the squad entirely in a recent 1-0 defeat to Celta Vigo.
Luis Enrique’s men have not yet hit top form given their very high standards in La Liga and sit two points behind rivals Real Madrid after 11 games.
It remains to be seen whether or not Pique will remain with the Catalan club, having only signed a new five year contract in May.
There will be plenty of suitors for the centre-back, who is married to pop star Shakira.
Ronaldo will be 30 next season, yes he is still the best at the moment but Bale has to hit his peak and after a brilliant first season, there is no way Real would let him leave. Unless he wants out
After One season he is already seeking to go to Man Utd ? you should check your sources i know where that story came from and its not true.He has a four year contract which he intends to see out whether he will stay beyond the four years that open for debate . Ithink this story originated from some agents in madrid and i can say its not true as for hazard coming to the bernabeu highly unlikely although he is a great player i don’t see him in the madrid set up
Haba! Real Madrid! How many strikers will you acquire? Only you want Falcao, Hazard, Di Maria again. Even with your already loaded squad. What competition are you preparing for? Are you preparing for extra-terrestrial football against Barcelona again? Won’t you leave Barcelona alone? Because, all these acquisitions are due to the threat(?) of. Barcelona.
I want pique to go.