Real misfit Bale linked with move back to London with Chelsea

Tabloid reports suggest that Premier League odds-on favourites Chelsea (1/6) are readying a breath-taking offer to bring back Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale to England.

While the Welshman has enjoyed a terrific time in Spain since joining in the summer of 2013, scoring 28 times in 58 matches and winning the Champions league and Copa del Rey, his place has been under threat in recent weeks.

Bale has missed a few games this term due to a hamstring issue, and Isco has impressed in his absence. It seems that Carlo Ancelotti is still unsure of the former Spurs star’s favoured position as well, as the Italian has used him on both wings and even as a centre forward.

The 25-year-old has still managed to be effective in the fixtures he has featured in, netting five times in eight La Liga appearances, but the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, James Rodriguez, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Karim Benzema are also impressing this season.

Ancelotti’s former club Chelsea, though, could take advantage of this opportunity and make a bid this summer for Bale, which will likely be a Premier League record. But would he be a better fit in an already seemingly perfect team?

Bale has been mainly used as a right winger for Real, but his preferred position is on the left, an area that is currently occupied by Eden Hazard. So the Belgian would either have to be moved to the centre, or Bale replaces Willian on the right.

Another potential destination for Bale would be Manchester United (odds-on at 4/7 for a top four finish). He has been linked with a sensational swap deal that could bring back Angel Di Maria to the Bernabeu.

Bale would be a better fit at United, given their usual counter-attacking style and would add some much needed pace to their attack. However, with the club in a bit of a slump since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, the Welshman may turn the chance to work with compatriot Ryan Giggs.

But Bale’s agent David Manasseh has brushed off the speculation, saying: “It is not true that Gareth wants to return to the Premier League.

“Everything is going well for him at Madrid and he wants to continue to wear the Real Madrid jersey. These rumours about a swap with United are absolute rubbish.”

Los Blancos currently top La Liga, and are odds-on at 8/15 to win the title this term, while they are joint-favourites at 10/3 to defend their Champions League crown.

Wales, meanwhile, face an upcoming Euro 2016 qualifier away to Belgium, and are 17/2 chances to beat them.