Has Real Madrid's Zinedine Zidane really given Manchester United a boost over move for Gareth Bale?

Manchester United have reportedly been given a ‘boost’ by Real Madrid in their pursuit of Gareth Bale.

The Welshman has been linked with a move to Old Trafford for many seasons but now manager Zinedine Zidane has started fresh rumours by refusing to deny a transfer for one of his coveted ‘BBC’ forward line could happen.

With Real hoping to sign Monaco’s 18-year-old striker Kylian Mbappe for a record £161m, it means one of the fabled Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bale, could find themselves expendable.

And Bale, with his injury problems last season and struggles to replace Isco in the team, is the most likely to be let go – especially as Real will need to plug a big hole in their budget if they move for Mbappe.

When asked about the future of his attacking trident, Zidane could offer no assurances. “I hope they all stay for this season,” he said.

When later asked about Mbappe and the knock-on effect that could have on Bale, Zidane added: "I'm the coach, you need to speak with someone else about whether or not it's worth it. Nothing has happened until now, and we have the squad we have."

Despite Real being linked with Bale for what seems an eternity, it seems this story might have a more concrete basis this time around. Although Zidane did not mention Bale specifically, it is understandable that Bale would be the man to make way if Mbappe signed given his injury problems and the fact he is not a certain starter anymore.

Combine that with the fact Jose Mourinho is clearly looking for a winger to combine with £75million striker Romelu Lukaku – hence his interest in Ivan Perisic – and the seemingly unilimited budget at Old Trafford, and this story could run for a while.

Jose Manuel Antequera from Eurosport Spain also flags up media reports suggesting that ‘friends’ of Real Madrid think that Bale could play for Manchester United.

He adds: "I think it is possible if Mbappé signs for Real Madrid. Bale has stopped being important at the Bernabeu because of his injuries plus the fact Zidane wants to keep Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo together."