Real Madrid Transfer News: Gareth Bale Latest, Malang Sarr Rumours

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has revealed the club has ended its interest in Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale.

The Welshman joined Los Blancos in 2013 and, despite enjoying plenty of success at the Santiago Bernabeu, has been frequently linked with a move back to the Premier League. Mourinho hinted United did consider a move for Bale, although said it was tough to see Madrid agreeing to do a deal.

"The same [as Cristiano Ronaldo]," Mourinho said, per Mark Ogden of ESPN.co.uk. "You have contacts and feelings. You understand things, and it was clear that Bale likes Madrid, the challenge and situation. They are in a very good situation now, and I never felt a desire for him to leave, so why waste time on it? No."

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As noted by ESPN.co.uk's Rob Dawson, the United boss had previously described a pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo as "mission impossible." Per Chris Wheeler of MailOnline, the Red Devils have been linked with a £100 million offer for Bale, with Madrid said to be courting AS Monaco starlet Kylian Mbappe.

While Madrid are renowned for targeting the best players in Europe, as noted by Miguel Delaney of The Independent, Bale has been key in a spell of extraordinary dominance for the team:

There are potential merits to cashing in on the 28-year-old, though—especially if United were to offer a nine-figure amount.

After all, Madrid played their best football late in the previous campaign when Bale was sidelined with an injury, as Isco was drafted into the side and took his chance superbly. The consistent knocks the Welshman suffers would also make such a massive offer hard to turn down.

But as Mourinho noted, there appears to be no desire on the part of Madrid or the player to make this transfer happen. And when he is at full fitness, Bale brings an extra dimension to the most formidable squad in the game.

Madrid in Malang Sarr Battle

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According to Sky Sports News, Real Madrid are in a three-way tussle with Barcelona and Chelsea for the signing of OGC Nice youngster Malang Sarr.

The 18-year-old was sensational for the Ligue 1 side last season, cementing his place in the team early on and helping Lucien Favre's team put together an unexpected title challenge. It's reported the player has a release clause of £36 million in his contract.

As Squawka Football noted, no outfield player aged 18 or under played more minutes than the Nice man last term:

Sarr's senior career started in sensational style, as he netted the winning goal on his debut against Rennes, heading home a free-kick. However, it's his work at the back that has got so many excited.

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For a player who is still developing, he has showcased tremendous physicality and is not one to flinch in battles. Additionally, the France youth international is steady on the ball and quick enough to track the runs of sharp forwards. He has the potential to go a long way in the game.

Real may be on the hunt for a new defender after Pepe's departure. If Sarr were to join and compete with the likes of Raphael Varane, Jesus Vallejo and Nacho for a spot alongside Sergio Ramos, Los Blancos would be in exceptional shape in the centre-back department.