Team-mate assesses chances of Bale returning to England

Joe Williams

Manchester United’s chances of luring Gareth Bale back to the Premier League are thin, according to the Real Madrid star’s international team-mate James Collins.

The winger has once again been linked with a move to Old Trafford with United set to spend big in the summer transfer market.

It has been a frustrating season for Bale in Spain having been plagued by injury but Collins, who plays for Wales with Bale, doesn’t think he will be looking for leave the Bernabeu anytime soon.

“I’d love to see him back, but I don’t think we will unfortunately because I know how much he loves it out there and he’s loved by the Madrid fans,”.

“He’s gone out there and been unbelievable. It was a big step for him obviously moving country and going out there.”

Real Madrid have reached the Champions League final – which takes place in Bale’s hometown of Cardiff – but the Welshman faces a fight to be fit for the spectacle.

Collins added: “He was talking about the Champions League final being in Cardiff, obviously being a Cardiff lad, last summer (when we were in the Euros). He was saying how much he wanted to get there and play in that game in his hometown.

“Fingers crossed, I spoke to him in the last couple of days, and he seems to be getting on well and has every chance of playing in the final, which is great for him.”