Manchester United round-up: Bale talks held; Griezmann u-turn; priorities turned to centre forward

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The Independent report that Manchester United officials have begun talks with Real Madrid over a potential transfer for Gareth Bale as the Welshman becomes less and less important in the Spanish capital after spending much of this season out injured.

Bale is not expected to start the Champions League final this weekend after a spell on the sidelines and it is not yet clear how he would fit in to Zinedine Zidane’s 4-4-2 diamond formation which could only serve to hasten his departure and a potential return to the Premier League at Manchester United.

He could be an alternative to Atlético Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann, as the Express claim that after the Spanish club saw their appeal against a transfer ban rejected, United could instead focus their efforts elsewhere in the knowledge an agreement could be unlikely unless the Red Devils agree to exercise his release clause worth £85 million.

The Frenchman has been a long term target for the club but Diego Simeone and co. are understandably reluctant to sell and are now only likely to be more reluctant, with United ready to give in and put their time and dedication into other targets.

In fact, reports by BBC Sport suggest that it is the long-term injury to Zlatan Ibrahimovic that has forced the club to change their priorities.

With doubts over the Swede’s future beyond the expiry of his contract on 30 June – and with the odds against him being offered a new deal – the Red Devils are now thought to be targeting a main striker, rather than a number 10.

Torino’s Andrea Belotti would perhaps be the most like-for-like replacement for Ibrahimovic. Having previously been linked with a summer move to Old Trafford, the money saved in passing on Griezzman could be spent on the £85 million release clause that is required for clubs outside of Italy to land the striker’s signature.

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