Manchester United have no chance of signing Real Madrid star Gareth Bale this summer because they can’t afford his wages, according to his former Wales team-mate Craig Bellamy.
“Where could he go?” he exclusively told Starsport, when asked about Bale’s future.
“Man United can’t pay his wages, nobody can. There’s only one club that can pay his wages.
“That’s the world he’s in at this moment. The wages he is he’ll have to take a massive wage cut to go elsewhere.”
Bale’s future remains somewhat unclear at the Bernabeu following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure to Juventus.
United boss Jose Mourinho is still looking to add at least two more players to his squad before the transfer window shuts.
And the Portuguese could even make a statement signing
BBC Sport journalist Bill Rice says: “The arrival of Brazilian midfielder Fred gives United added steel and grit in midfield, and should allow Paul Pogba to flourish further upfield on his return from a successful World Cup, while teenage full-back Diogo Dalot’s arrival led to Daley Blind’s departure after just four Premier League starts last season.
“A commanding central defender and another hardworking wide player are the areas manager Jose Mourinho will look to strengthen, with Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld and Chelsea’s Willian among the names in the frame.
“Don’t rule out a statement signing too, United – having opted not to pursue re-signing Cristiano Ronaldo nine years after he left the club for Spain – would surely be near the front of the queue if Gareth Bale also decides to leave Real Madrid this summer.”
Chelsea winger Willian is prepared to snub interest from Manchester United to join Barcelona – because of Philippe Coutinho.
Mourinho wants a reunion with the 29-year-old at Old Trafford.
But Willian appears to have been influenced by his Brazil team-mate in his decision making.
According to Spanish newspaper SPORT, ex-Liverpool playmaker Coutinho has discussing the prospect of them playing together for the past month while away in Russia at the World Cup.
Willian is willing to head for the Nou Camp, with reports suggesting Barcelona have tabled a third offer to Chelsea worth more than £55m.