Mourinho ready to end Gareth Bale’s Real Madrid hell with Tottenham return… three years after eyeing Man Utd transfer
JOSE MOURINHO could try and offer Gareth Bale an escape from his Real Madrid hell by bringing him back to Tottenham, according to reports.
The Welshman, 31, is enduring a torrid time at Los Blancos and featured for just 100 minutes spread across two appearances after the season restarted.
His three goals last season - his two in LaLiga coming in one eventful game in September where he was also sent off - was his worst return since the 2009/10 campaign.
He even requested to be left at home for the Champions League clash at Manchester City because he knew he would not get on the pitch - and then played golf instead.
And with his relationship with Zinedine Zidane seemingly irreparable, a move this summer as part of a squad clear out may be best for both parties.
Mourinho tried to sign the ex-Spurs star for Manchester United three years ago before having to admit defeat as he failed to do so.
Bale was a fan favourite at Tottenham after joining from Southampton as teenage left-back and leaving as the world's most expensive player.
He scored 55 goals in 203 appearances, including 26 in 44 during his final season.
At Real Madrid, the forward has collected ten major trophies including four Champions Leagues.
But one major stumbling block could be his wages.
Bale is on around £650,000 per week at the Bernabeu and was close to moving to China on a £1.2million-a-week deal last year before a switch was blocked, leaving Bale fuming.
But it is very unlikely Spurs chairman Daniel Levy will be willing to match his current wages - even if the club can somehow afford them without the added bonus of Champions League football.