TOP STORY: Third time lucky for United in Bale chase?

For a fair while, Manchester United have been reported to be in the frame for Real Madrid's Gareth Bale -- and the Mirror reports that they could finally land him in the summer.

It says La Liga and Champions League winners Madrid "have grown tired of Bale's ongoing injury problems and are believed to be ready to offload the Wales star."

Bale is sidelined because of a calf problem, but the Mirror reports that his injuries have not deterred United and they will make a third effort to sign him, having been keen to do so when he left Spurs for Madrid in 2013 and then tried again three years later.

The 28-year-old is under contract at the Bernabeu until 2022, and Old Trafford chiefs "are likely to have to come close to matching the £85 million Madrid paid for him."

And the Mirror says that although Spurs "have a first option buy-back clause that expires in 2019, their wage structure is lower than United's."

Meanwhile, days after reports suggested United were resigned to midfielder Marouane Fellaini departing for nothing at the end of the season, the likelihood of that may have increased.

Fellaini has been linked with clubs including Besiktas and AC Milan, and now the Sun says Galatasaray "are preparing a tempting financial package to lure him to Istanbul."

However, it adds that United "were quick to dampen speculation that Gala had agreed an £8m deal for the forthcoming window."

Barca yet to make move for Ozil

It seems all but certain that Mesut Ozil will not be an Arsenal player for much longer, but the London Evening Standard reports that Barcelona "have yet to make formal contact" despite increasing speculation about a move.

Recent reports in Spain have suggested Barca will table an offer for the Germany international midfielder in January.

And it has been suggested the Gunners would be prepared to do business for around £30m, with Ozil in the final year of his contract and a new deal appearing unlikely.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said a final decision on the futures of Ozil and teammate Alexis Sanchez will be made next month, with both able to talk to overseas clubs from the start of January.

But what might the Ozil link mean for Barcelona's mooted attempt to revive a move for Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho in January?

The Standard says Coutinho "remains their first-choice target" but points out that Ozil would be available "for a fraction" of the £130m the Brazil playmaker would cost and could also play in the Champions League.

Tap-ins

-- Ernesto Valverde has said Antoine Griezmann is a "great player," but the manager wouldn't be drawn on speculation linking Barcelona with a move for the Atletico Madrid forward in January.

-- Championship high-fliers Wolves could target in-form Feyenoord striker Nicolai Jorgensen, with the Birmingham Mail reporting that they would have to pay around £10m.

Denmark international Jorgensen, reported to have been a summer target for Everton, has struck 23 times in 40 games for Feyenoord.

- Bayern Munich are in talks with Hoffenheim about signing Germany international striker Sandro Wagner, Jupp Heynckes has confirmed, while doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt has returned to the club.

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by CHRIS BORG

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