According to reports in The Sun, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho will look to sign Real Madrid star Gareth Bale next summer as he looks to add a world class winger to his squad.

What’s the word, then?

Well, The Sun says that Mourinho was keen to bring the 28-year-old to Old Trafford during the summer transfer window, but the Champions League holders told them that he was not for sale.

The Portuguese boss was desperate to add a wide man to his squad before the window slammed shut on Thursday night, but he also had to give up on a deal for Inter Milan’s Ivan Perisic when the Serie A giants changed their asking price during negotiations.

The Sun adds that while Real didn’t want to sell Bale this year, they indicated that a deal could be done in 2018 as they would be willing to consider a huge bid.

With Isco currently in top form and Marco Asensio coming through the ranks, the La Liga outfit are certainly well stocked in attacking positions.

Why does Mourinho want Bale?

Football Soccer - Real Madrid v FC Barcelona - Spanish Liga Santander - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - 23/4/17 Real Madrid's Gareth Bale reacts Reuters / Susana Vera Livepic

Following a tough start to life with Tottenham Hotspur, the Welshman quickly established himself as not only one of the best players in the Premier League, but also in the world during his time with Spurs.

He scored 21 goals in 33 English top flight appearances in his final season at White Hart Lane before completing a then world-record move to Real Madrid, where has netted 55 goals in 102 La Liga outings.

An influential performer and leader, the Wales captain has also netted 26 goals in 62 appearances for his country and was one of the main catalysts behind their progress to the semi-finals of the 2016 European Championships in France.

Would he be a good signing for United?

He would be a huge addition for the Red Devils.

The 28-year-old has pace, is effective when dribbling and is a potent finisher. However, he also offers a lot more and is strong and decent in the air, as well as being versatile enough to play in a variety of attacking positions.

While he would undoubtedly come at a big price as his contract doesn't run out until 2022, he could prove to be the difference if United are to become the top force in the Premier League and Europe in the future.

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