RUMOURS: Chelsea to challenge Man Utd to Bale signing

The 26-year-old is said to be devastated by the sacking of Rafael Benitez and the Blues could use Madrid's interest in Eden Hazard
as a bargaining chip


Chelsea are set to challenge Manchester United to the signing of Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale, according to The Mirror.

The Welshman is said to be increasingly unhappy at the Santiago Bernabeu, having been massively disappointed by the sacking of Rafael Benitez, who has been replaced at the helm by Zinedine Zidane.

United are expected to step up their pursuit of the winger, whom they have been interested in since his Tottenham days.

However, with Eden Hazard underperforming at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea could be set to enter the race to sign Bale and could have a an advantage, with Madrid said to be keen on the Belgian winger.

Zidane, though, reportedly sees Bale as a big part of his plans and hopes to build a strong relationship with the 26-year-old, like Benitez did.