Tottenham Hotspur's new manager will have the option of re-signing Gareth Bale for the 2021-22 season.
That's according to the Daily Mail, who claim Spurs have first refusal on a second season-long loan deal, which would allow them to extend the Welshman's stay on roughly the same terms.
Spurs are reportedly already paying around £240,000 a week towards his wages at Real Madrid, and second stint could cost the club an estimated £12m.
However, there's said to be a growing feeling that a second deal would make financial sense due to the potential costs of bringing in a like-for-like replacement.
The potential for Bale to be a success on loan at a Premier League rival is also believed to be playing on the minds of the club's hierarchy.
Spurs are currently without a permanent manager after the dismissal of Jose Mourinho last month, a decision that was believed to be at least partly made due to the lack of playing time given to Bale.
Ryan Mason has taken interim charge over the last few weeks, and Bale has subsequently enjoyed an surge in form, netting a stunning hat-trick against Sheffield United at the weekend.
It remains to be seen who Spurs will eventually opt for in terms of their next boss, but Daniel Levy could now offer the new man the chance to re-sign the Wales skipper, although the only catch is that Bale himself would have to agree to the deal.
There appears to be little chance of Bale reviving his glittering career in Madrid, and Real are subsequently likely to offer another loan deal in a bid to get some of his wages off the books.
Bale has so far played 30 games for Spurs this season, netting 14 goals.
