New Madrid boss makes shock decision over £200m Man Utd target

Gareth Bale could be set to disappoint Manchester United and snub a return to the Premier League, according to a report.

The Sunday Express claims that Bale’s Real Madrid career has been saved by incoming coach Julen Lopetegui.

The 28-year-old forward – apparently valued at £200m – is a man in demand this summer after he admitted following his two-goal display in the Champions League final that he “needs to play more regular football”.

However, the former Spain boss is reportedly a huge admirer of the Welsh international and wants to keep him at the Bernabeu rather than allowing him to depart.

Another huge factor in the decision is that Lopetegui – who was sacked by Spain a day before the World Cup – can speak English, whereas Zinedine Zidane could not.

Bale has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, and according to journalist Eduardo Inda, Mourinho has promised the former Spurs man he can win the Ballon d’Or at Old Trafford.

Speaking on Spanish sports programme El Chiringuito, Inda said: “Mourinho has given an argument to Bale, who loves him. Mourinho said, ‘Gareth, with us, with me, you will be once and for all the Golden Ball [win the Balon d’Or].

“That is what Mourinho has transmitted to Bale.”