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Bayern Munich have joined the race to sign Gareth Bale from Real Madrid, according to Spanish news website Fichajes. Manchester United have been the only club thus far to be linked with the pacey winger, but the Bavarians are reportedly looking for Bale in order to replace Arjen Robben.
The Welshman signed for Real Madrid from Tottenham for a world record fee of around £86 million in 2013. The Red Devils were reported to be behind Bale as well, but Los Blancos, with their power to attract the best players from all over the world, meant the ex-Southampton player went to the Santiago Bernabeu.
The winger had a brilliant start to his Real Madrid career when he scored 22 goals and assisted 16 times in his first season. Bale’s goal against Barcelona in the Copa Del Ray final, when he outran Marc Bartra from the half-way line is considered as one of his best goals.
He scored the second goal for Real in the Champions League final as well against Atletico Madrid to give his club the lead. He then got a goal in a third major final, for the club, when he scored the second goal in a 2-0 win against San Lorenzo in the FIFA Club World Cup final.
However, his second season was not up to the mark, he was even booed by a section of Madrid fans who adjudged him as being selfish for not passing to Cristiano Ronaldo. But, Bale still managed 19 goals and 10 assists for the team in all competitions.
It was after his supposed fallout with the fans and Ronaldo, that the speculation for a move away from the Bernabeu started. Manchester United, with all their spending power, have been trying to lure the 26-year-old back to England. However, Bale has reiterated his desire to stay at Madrid and win the confidence of the fans back a number of times. His agent even went on to say that Bale wants to win Ballon D’Or at Real Madrid.
The Wales captain is currently under going rehabilitation from a after sustaining a calf injury which has been causing him trouble over the past two years. He is expected to return for the Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain at Santiago Bernabeu on 4 November. He has scored three goals and has provided four assists for the team this season.
If reports are to believed, both Bayern Munich and Manchester United will try their best to sign the winger from Real Madrid.
