We suspect most people will answer that question with a ‘no’.
Yet, the tabloid have the gumption on Sunday to slap the word ‘EXCLUSIVE’ over an article which talks up the possibility that Gareth Bale will leave Real Madrid this summer.
Bale, who struggled with injuries last season in Spain, is currently participating in the club’s pre-season in Los Angeles, and he’s looking ripped
What’s the story?
The central issue which the Express try to tackle is how can Real Madrid sign Kylian Mbappe from Monaco this summer.
Mbappe’s deal is likely to set a new world transfer record, as fees of 130 million euros have been bandied about for the 18-year-old starlet.
While Los Blancos are widely tipped to be in pole position for the French teenager, do the reigning La Liga and Champions League holders have the funds to force Monaco into a sale?
That’s debatable, especially after James Rodriguez only joined Bayern Munich on a two year loan deal rather than in a 70 million euro permanent transfer.
Raising cash
The Express on Sunday make the case for Real selling Bale in order to raise funds for the Mbappe deal. Readers are told:
Real Madrid are considering selling Gareth Bale this summer as they look to raise enough money to sign Kylian Mbappe.
Real are facing serious competition from Manchester City and Paris St-Germain to sign Monaco’s 18 year old striking sensation.
And the only hope they have got of matching Monaco’s £120 million asking price is by offloading one of their star names before the transfer closes on August 31st.
Real Madrid EXCLUSIVE: Gareth Bale to be shipped out to raise funds for Kylian Mbappe #RMCF https://t.co/k65N194d60
— Express Sport (@DExpress_Sport) July 15, 2017
Man United & Chelsea
If Bale leaves Spain (which seems highly unlikely), the Express list Man United and Chelsea as possible suitors.
Whether either club are prepared to spend the funds to make that deal happen, is up for debate.
Bale earns around £350,000 a week after tax, while he’s under contract with Madrid until 2022.
The Express believe Bale would command a transfer fee of £100 million, as they tell their readers the following:
(Bale) has been a long term target for Manchester United who are one of a few clubs in the world who could tempt him into quitting Madrid.Paris St-Germain and Chelsea have also asked him in the past and would have the financial muscle to provide competition to United.
