Manchester United joined by Chelsea in race for Gareth Bale

Chelsea and Manchester City have joined Manchester United in the race for Real Madrid wantaway Gareth Bale, according to the Daily Mail.

The forward, who joined Madrid on a record deal from Tottenham in 2013, has failed to warm up to the fans during his brief stay at the club and is heavily contemplating a move back to England to reignite his career.

The Welshman was the force behind Tottenham, scoring and assisting goals for fun in his final season, for which he won the PFA Player of the Year award. However, the same form has not translated to goals in Spain, where he is under pressure for his place from superior players in the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Isco.

The Sunday Mirror reports that the player is willing to give Spain one more year, but is weigh his options if a suitable offer comes his way. United have always admired the player and could be willing to put in a bid for him in the next summer, but the player may now have a choice between three clubs, each desperate to land him to sharpen their attack.

Chelsea and Manchester City have the FFP to look out for, given that Bale is unlikely to come cheaper than the £85.3m record fee that he was sold for and the humongous wages he is currently under.

Jose Mourinho is desperate to get his side's European ambitions back on track after crashing out of Europe's premier club competition on away goals to Paris Saint-Germain, in spite of leading the home leg on two occasions against a Paris side, that saw Zlatan ibrahimovic being sent off for an ostensibly malicious tackle on Oscar.

City's hands are a bit tied after being sanctioned by the UEFA last season, but are also looking to find a way past the fees and renew their title charge for next season.