Gareth Bale will reportedly be denied the chance to join Manchester United as Real Madrid intend to use him as part of a deal for Chelsea forward Eden Hazard.
The Welsh forward is a long-term target for the Red Devils and is said to favour a switch to Old Trafford over Stamford Bridge ahead of next season.
Marca reports that Madrid chiefs would prefer to use him as a bargaining tool in discussions with Chelsea, however, in order to smooth Hazard's path to the Spanish capital.
Chelsea are said to be reluctant to sell their star player but know that they may have little choice if he forces an exit, although the arrival of Bale as part of a possible player-plus-cash deal could help to soften the blow.
Bale joined Madrid in a then-record £86m deal in 2013 and has helped the club to four Champions Leagues during his time in Spain, as well as three Club World Cups, three Super Cups, one La Liga and one Copa del Rey.
A separate report suggests that the 29-year-old has been valued at £131m by Los Blancos.
Daniel Lewis
