Manchester United receive boost as Real Madrid make forward available for transfer

Since returning for a second spell as Madrid boss in March, Zidane has been running the rule over his squad ahead of what is likely to be a busy summer in the transfer market. And the Frenchman has concluded that Bale is not part of his plans having left the former Tottenham forward out of his matchday squad to face Real Sociedad on Sunday. The 29-year-old was also absent from the 19-man group selected for last weekend’s 3-2 victory over Villarreal. Madrid are keen to bolster their attacking options ahead of the 2019/20 campaign, with Chelsea’s Eden Hazard their leading target. Bale is contracted at the Santiago Bernabeu until 2022 and had intended to stay put this summer. However, a probable lack of first-team minutes next term could persuade the Welshman to seek pastures new. Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move for Bale in the past, but it is unclear whether they will renew their interest in the attacker. READ MORE How Mauricio Pochettino and Tottenham showed up a transfer-obsessed nation Confessions of a turncoat: why I ditched Liverpool to support another team Mourinho rules out United move for Bale Bale gunning for more Real Madrid success as United speculation ends Bale would make Manchester United nailed-on title favourites – Fletcher Perez: Madrid haven’t contemplated selling Man United target Bale Brian Rice will build his Hamilton side around youth next season Tottenham lead Manchester United and Liverpool in race for Benfica starlet This has been the best ever Premier League season – Scudamore Boss Clarke makes plea to Killie fans Matthijs de Ligt’s future is on the verge of being decided Farwell, Daniel Sturridge? How the true one-season wonder became a distant relic at Liverpool Manchester United identify Ander Herrera replacement worth £40m Quiz! Can you name all 34 teams to appear in the Championship play-offs since 2000? The 51 best players in the Football League this season 6 players Arsenal could realistically sign to improve them this summer