Gareth Bale has been given permission to leave Real Madrid next summer, according to Diario Gol (h/t The Sun). If this were to be true, it would be a huge boost for Manchester United whose desire to sign the Welsh winger is an open secret. It appears likely that the former Tottenham star’s time in the Spanish capital is about to come to an end.

It has been a frosty relationship that Bale has enjoyed ever since he made the mega-money move to Madrid. Although he enjoyed success on the pitch by winning the Champions League thrice with the Los Blancos, he never settled down properly.

Part of the reason lies in the fact that he got injured frequently in recent times, which robbed him of consistent time with the first-team. His trademark lung-bursting runs were also conspicuously absent in recent times, leading to jeers from the Madrid faithful.

It is natural for Bale to be wary of his body and manage the workload, not to speak of exerting extra pressure on the pitch. That explains the lack of form, but the notoriously impatient Real Madrid fans are not willing to give him extra time.

That has led to him losing his first-team spot to the likes of Isco and Marco Asensio, as pressure builds on manager Zinedine Zidane to reward form and youth.

United have made a lot of inquiries in the past regarding Bale’s availability but were rebuffed by the club. However, reports indicate that the club may be receptive to the idea of a move, considering concerns over his injury record.

Jose Mourinho is a huge admirer of the winger and tried his best to lure him this past summer. Should he be available, the Portuguese would look to make a suitable bid.

There would be competition, though, as Bale’s previous club Tottenham are be interested in bringing him back to the club with the new stadium set to unveil next summer. What better way than to get back your marquee player?

Looks like Bale and United are set for an interesting summer!