The key reasons why Manchester United did not rival Tottenham for Gareth Bale

James Robson @jamesrobsonES16 September 2020

Manchester United opted against rivaling Tottenham’s move for Gareth Bale, with the winger’s injury record and personal terms convincing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer not to pursue a loan deal.

Bale was always seen as a back up to top target Jadon Sancho, whose proposed transfer from Borussia Dortmund has reached an impasse over the German club’s £108million valuation.

Wales international Bale is now set to rejoin Spurs on loan seven years after leaving them for Real Madrid in a world record deal.

United were prepared to discuss a short-term move for the 31-year-old after learning of Real’s determination to offload him this summer.

But despite him being a long-term target for executive vice chairman Ed Woodward, it’s understood the Old Trafford club never drove negotiations - instead considering him one of a number of alternatives to Sancho.

Ivan Perisic and Douglas Costa remain under consideration, but Sancho is still Solskjaer’s overwhelming priority before the window closes next month.

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