Man Utd and Chelsea line up world record Bale bid

The Daily Star says Manchester United and Chelsea are ready to spend big to land Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale.

The suggestions are that both clubs are planning a summer bid and a move totalling £173m (€200m) is not out of the question.

Bale has endured a stop-start season so far, with infrequent injuries halting momentum. When fit however, the Welshman has tallied five goals and two assists in 11 games for Real.

The Red Devils breached the world record bid when they signed Paul Pogba for £89m from Juventus last summer. It broke the record previously set by Real Madrid, who signed Bale for £80m from Tottenham in 2013.

The winger who is currently sidelined after suffering ankle ligament damage is under contract at the Bernabeu until 2022.

It is uncertain whether the 27 year-old wants a move back to England, but a lucrative offer and home-comforts could persuade the former Tottenham hero.