Manchester United would be taking a huge risk if they signed Gareth Bale this summer because "it is difficult to see where he is at the moment" in terms of his fitness and form, according to former United coach Rene Meulensteen.
The Real Madrid star has been linked with a switch to Old Trafford as he seemingly draws a line under six years in Spain, where it has been claimed that boss Zinedine Zidane no longer wants him at the Bernabeu.
Bale - who is currently in Hungary preparing for Wales's Euro 2020 qualifier on Tuesday night - has made no public statement about where he sees his future lying, but if the former Tottenham man is to return to the Premier League then United have long been seen as the most likely destination.
However Meulensteen - who coached at United for 11 years across two different spells - has questioned the wisdom of signing the forward, who will turn 30 next month.
"You would obviously talk about bringing in a high-profile player in, but is Gareth Bale still at his best?" Meulensteen told talkSPORT .
"We all know he’s had his fair share of injuries, so it’s always a risk."
However, Meulensteen added that there would obviously be a benefit to signing Bale if he could remain at his best.
"But, on the other hand, a top notch Gareth Bale is a really good asset for Manchester United ," he continued.
"He brings power, he brings pace and he can create and score goals.
"It’s a bit difficult to see where he is at the moment, though."
Meanwhile in a further blow to Bale, Marca report that Real Madrid have dismissed club physio Jaime Benito - who was close to the Welshman and described as his "main supporter in the dressing room" - on Monday, as Zidane seeks to kickstart his revolution during his second spell at the club with a staff overhaul.
Benito - who was one of two physios fired - is a close friend of Bale's, who had previously dedicated goals to his pal and invited him on trips to watch Wales matches.
