Manchester United Transfer News: Red Devils Reportedly Give Up on Gareth Bale

Manchester United have reportedly dropped their interest in Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale, and Inter Milan are said to be set to make a move for the Wales international.

Madrid could opt to sell the former Tottenham Hotspur man this summer in order to raise funds to strengthen their attack. However, United have "close to zero interest in Bale," according to Miguel Delaney at The Independent.

United only signed Alexis Sanchez in January and have also been put off by Bale's age and price. Inter are the only club showing a firm interest in the 28-year-old.

Bale has endured another injury-interrupted campaign at at the Santiago Bernabeu, and he has also been dropped by coach Zinedine Zidane, who has favoured Marco Asensio and Isco this season.

His agent, Jonathan Barnett, has tried to downplay speculation over his future. He told Dermot Corrigan at ESPN FC: "Gareth is a Real Madrid player and loves Real Madrid, and Real Madrid love Gareth."

Bale started Los Blancos' UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Juventus on Wednesday but was taken off at half-time after an ineffective showing.

The Welshman faces fierce competition to get back into the team, particularly from Spain international Isco, who has been inspirational for both club and country:

Spanish football journalist David Cartlidge said Isco and Asensio should be regulars for Madrid:

It seems possible Bale could be deemed surplus to requirements but finding a buyer may be difficult. Former Wales manager Chris Coleman said he will only go to another big club, per ITV Football:

United's lack of interest makes sense; they already have plenty of attacking options with Sanchez, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Romelu Lukaku in Jose Mourinho's squad. Bale's fitness record may also be a cause for concern and could limit his options this summer.