Manchester United amped up their hunt for a fourth summer signing, with reports suggesting Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale to be the frontrunner to land at Old Trafford.
The Wales international has fallen down in the pecking order at Madrid, with manager Zinedine Zidane preferring Spain international Isco Alarcón ahead of him. And with KylianMbappé, the AS Monaco forward also on Real's radar, a sensational return to the Premier League looks on the cards for the former world record signing.
United, who had initially looked to sign Croatia international Ivan Perisic from Inter Milan, recently found out that the left-winger was not for sale anymore.
As reported by The Express UK, Inter Milan manager Luciano Spaletti has very less intention of selling one of his key players so close to the start of the season. The Serie A outfit's coach mentioned how things were different a month ago.
But with time dragging on, due to a delay from United's end, it has become a difficult situation for both the clubs. Even though he did add that they would consider the deal if an offer was put on the table that was "very difficult to reject"
"The more days that pass, the more difficult it becomes for us to find a replacement of his calibre. I'll strongly oppose his sale," Spaletti explained.
According to both Spaletti and Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio, the Milanese club are currently discussing a new contract with the winger, as reported by FourFourTwo.
With a string of impressive display in United's pre-season, many in the club believe Anthony Martial has received a vote of confidence from boss Jose Mourinho. And at this point in time, it is unlikely he would leave the club for the foreseeable future.
The France international, who enjoyed a rosy debut season at Old Trafford, had fallen off the pace somewhat with Mourinho taking over the reins. But the minor adjustments to his game has impressed the boss recently. And although Martial may not start every game, he adds valuable depth to United's attack.
Mourinho however, feels that United need to sign another player at the least, for the club to compete in four different competitions this season. And expectations are high since Mourinho has had a reputation of winning the league in his second season. Bale could well be the missing piece in Mourinho's puzzle.
