Paul Pogba's Manchester United future has taken a twist - and it could be good news for Gareth Bale.
The Frenchman has pulled out of United's game against AC Milan in Cardiff on Saturday afternoon and did not travel to South Wales with the rest of the squad.
A back spasm is said to be the reason for his absence, but reports from Spain now suggest he is trying to force through a move to Real Madrid who have been courting him all summer.
AS are now saying that Bale - who saw a move to the Chinese Super League collapse at the final hurdle - could be used as a makeweight in any deal to bring Pogba to the Bernabeu.
United are closing in on Juventus' Paulo Dybala, meaning their need for further attacking players is not as pressing as it was, but with Romelu Lukaku heading to Turin, a move for Bale isn't entirely out of the question.
The Old Trafford club have been linked with the Welshman for a number of months, but as ever with Bale his wages present a serious stumbling block to any transfer.
Pogba's move could trigger a transfer domino effect, according to AS, who need to move on Bale and James Rodríguez before landing their top targets.
They report: "If Madrid are finally able to bring Pogba in, and even better in a deal involving Bale, it could open the door to yet another new signing - but that also depends on another sale being made first. The Colombian international James Rodríguez could be moved on to neighbours Atletico, freeing up the space to bring in Ajax's Van de Beek."
Bale's relations with Real manager Zinedine Zidane are strained to put it mildly, with the 30-year-old now said to be determined to stick it out in the Spanish capital.
