'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFAABAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABv/aAAgBAQAAAAAeH//EABQBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP/2gAIAQIQAAAAP//EABQBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP/2gAIAQMQAAAAL//EACIQAAEEAQIHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMBAgQFEgAyBhETFCExwv/aAAgBAQABPwCBxzfxTWUSVdyOkOEhcuzCZ2/HFufhu/3o9015iOdOuMlcqryIJPjX/8QAGBEAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECERL/2gAIAQIBAT8A3Kkf/8QAFxEBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIAEf/aAAgBAwEBPwDrVI7/2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
What’s the rumour?
As per reports from ESPN, Jose Mourinho has managed to convince Gareth Bale to join Manchester United this summer. Manchester United have had a long-standing interest in the player and he might well make the move to Old Trafford in the summer transfer window.
In case you didn't know...
Gareth Bale's exploits in England saw him being touted as one of the best players in the world in a very short span of time. He was primarily a left-back, but was moved to the left-wing owing to his incredible performances for Tottenham. He was named PFA Player's Player of the Year for two consecutive seasons, the PFA Young Player of the Year in 2013 and the FWA Player of the Season in 2013.
He moved to Real Madrid in 2013 for a then world record fee. He helped the club to win the league in 2016-17 as well as three UEFA Champions League titles. However, he has struggled with injuries of late and a dip in form is quite visible. Mourinho wants to take advantage of this.
The heart of the matter
Jose Mourinho has been craving for a left-footed winger to be deployed on his right wing for a long time. A summer move for Ivan Perisic failed to materialize and Mourinho has tinkered with his team selection many a time, but none of United's current players have been able to play consistently well at right wing.
Mourinho is a huge admirer of the Welshman and even tried to sign him in the summer. The player, however, decided to stay put and have another go in cementing his place in Madrid's line-up, but that has not been the case. And as per the report, Jose Mourinho has convinced Gareth Bale to join him this summer.
The player has a contract till 2022 and Madrid are likely to demand a fee around the €100 million they paid for him.
Rumour rating/probability - 7/10
Many sources are reporting the same and we can believe that there is some truth to the rumour.
Video: Bale in 2017-18
Author’s take
There is a high chance that Bale may head for the exit door and Mourinho will be first in line to buy the player. He will undoubtedly strengthen United's attacking options and it may prove to be a disaster for Madrid if they cannot sign a quality replacement for the 28-year-old.
