At the moment it’s not a team in great shape but it’s a club that can afford wages
Craig Burley on why Man Utd could sign Gareth Bale
Manchester United have had a long-standing interest in the 29-year-old, ever since he was at Tottenham.
But despite reports saying they are not keen on Bale this summer, Burley says there are not many clubs other than United who could afford him.
“I think one of the main reasons that Man United is mentioned, one it’s a big club,” Burley said.
“At the moment it’s not a team in great shape but it’s a club that can afford wages.
Trending
Burley says Man Utd are one of a few clubs who can afford to sign Gareth Bale (Image: ESPN)
“And I think that is an issue for a lot of [other clubs]. “
Meanwhile, ESPN reporter Sid Lowe says Barnett has kept the door open for United if indeed they wanted Bale.
“As soon as you’re in a position where everyone knows you want to sell, the recuperation of that money becomes more difficult,” Lowe said.
“In the case of Bale, it’s very difficult for Real Madrid.
“Bale’s agent is saying repeatedly ‘he doesn’t want to go anywhere, he’s happy where he is’.
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Real Madrid want to sell Gareth Bale but he wants to stay (Image: GETTY)
“The change here is that slight opening of the door to Manchester United.
“For what it’s worth, he’s asked directly about United endlessly and so in a way it’s like ‘well let’s keep this idea there’.
“But of course their narrative and their sort of stock response is ‘we’re not going anywhere’.
“There’s no doubt this is a long game and there’s no doubt this is about trying to condition the market, rather than definitively saying no to the market.”