MANCHESTER UNITED would be the best Premier League destination for Gareth Bale this summer, according to Liverpool and England legend John Barnes.
The Welshman finished the season out-of-favour at Real Madrid and appears unlikely to have a future at Santiago Bernabeu under current boss Zinedine Zidane.
Gareth Bale is out of favour at Real MadridCredit: AP:Associated Press
John Barnes has weighed in on Gareth Bale’s futureCredit: Reuters
Bale, 31, failed to appear in any of Los Blancos’ last seven LaLiga games – and was left at home for their Champions League trip to Manchester City.
But with two years remaining on his lucrative Real Madrid contract, a Premier League club would have to put together a sizeable package to recruit the ex-Tottenham ace.
And Barnes, speaking to BonusCodeBets, has weighed in on where would be best for the winger – should he return to England after seven years in Spain.
He said: “If Gareth Bale was to come to the Premier League, I couldn’t imagine Liverpool or Chelsea wanting to sign him, especially from a financial point of view.
“What a team will want is a hungry version of Gareth Bale.
“We don’t know what state he is currently in as he hasn’t really played for the last couple of years, we don’t know how fit he is or how hungry he is to still play at the highest level.
“In terms of the way he plays, Manchester City would be best suited for him, but they aren’t going to want to sign him.
“Tottenham Hotspur is a club who he has played for before but is he the type of player that Jose Mourinho wants? I don’t think so.
Bale reportedly endures a difficult relationship with boss Zinedine ZidaneCredit: Getty – Contributor
“Manchester United is probably the best club for him, but it is whether they want him despite considering his age and the salary he comes with.”
Barnes, 56, also gave his opinion on their acquisition of Dutch star Donny van de Beek from Ajax.
He added: “Donny van de Beek is a hard-working attacking midfielder, which is maybe not the most needed position for Manchester United, considering they have other options already.
“But, when an opportunity comes up to sign a player of his quality, even if there is a position that you think needs more attention, you still take him.
“He is a fantastic player with so much ability and I feel a great signing for United. I am sure they will still be looking to bring in more players this summer in other positions to help him.”
I have seen that they are linked with Sergio Reguilon from Sevilla which might cause some issues with Luke Shaw
John Barnes
And on those other targets, including a new full-back, Barnes was quick to point out the quality that they already possess.
He added: “I have seen that they are linked with Sergio Reguilon from Sevilla which might cause some issues with Luke Shaw.
“A fit, sharp and focused Luke Shaw is good enough for Manchester United’s starting left back position, but they are clearly looking to strengthen their defensive options.
“Time will tell who they bring into the squad.”
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Real Madrid outcast Gareth Bale joins Wales team training in Finland
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
