Real Madrid to open negotiations with Manchester United for Gareth Bale

Manchester United have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Gareth Bale as Real Madrid are believed to be open to offers for the player.

According to The Independent, Real Madrid are reportedly planning to cash in on the Welsh forward after his failure to maintain fitness for the team this season. Bale has only started 11 times in La Liga and 15 times in all competitions due to various hamstring and calf related injuries. 

Manager Zinedine Zidane and club president Florentino Perez are both increasingly frustrated with Bale due to his injury problems and Zidane also sees Isco as a better fit for the team.

Florentino Perez has a strict "Galactico" transfer policy he adheres to where he has to sell a big-name player in order to purchase a new one. Real Madrid are currently in the market for Monaco's Kylian Mbappe and or Chelsea's Eden Hazard and as such have identified Bale as the player to make way for the new signings.

With Manchester United's qualification into the Champions League confirmed, the Red Devils are ready to advance their movements to sign Bale, and Real Madrid are willing to listen to offers.

Perez is unlikely to let Bale go at a loss and will want at least £100 million for the Welsh winger.