GARETH BALE HAS always been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United.

The Welshman could’ve signed for the club back in 2007 but they balked at Southampton’s asking price for the then-17-year-old and he went to Tottenham instead.

Then, when he left Spurs and joined Real Madrid in 2013, United desperately attempted to hijack the deal by offering more money.

And, all throughout Bale’s stint in Spain, there have been constant rumours about a return to the Premier League and a switch to United though nothing concrete.

Now, ahead of the teams’ Uefa Super Cup clash in Skopje tomorrow evening, Jose Mourinho has stirred the pot.

Real are keen on bringing in teenager Kylian Mbappe from Monaco which has led to many speculating on Bale’s future at the Berbabeu should the deal go through.

And Mourinho, speaking at his pre-game press conference poured some petrol on the flames by admitting to an interest in the 28-year-old.

“Well if Bale is playing tomorrow, no I wouldn’t think of that (signing him), it would be because he’s in the coach’s plans and the club’s plans because he also has that motivation to continue at Real Madrid. So I haven’t even thought about the possibility. ” he said.

If he is not in the club’s plans, that with the arrival of another player would mean he was on his way out. I will try to be waiting for him on the other side and fight with other coaches that would want him on their team.

But if he plays tomorrow that is the best confirmation that he is still wanted by the team.”

Bale is part of the Real squad but it’s still uncertain if he’ll feature because of an ankle injury.

Meanwhile, after an extended break, Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make his first appearance of the season.

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