Could Bale return to Premier League?

Is there any mileage in the Gareth Bale to Manchester United rumour that refuses to go away? The former Spurs player was sold to Real Madrid in the summer of 2013 but only after a last-minute bid by Manchester United failed.

David Moyes the then manager at Old Trafford had a notoriously unsuccessful transfer window and, having failed to land Cesc Fabregas and Cristiano Ronaldo, tried to hijack the deal that would take Bale to the Bernebeu. The Welshman was however intent on a move to Spain and has had a successful first year with his new team, winning the Champions League at the end of last season, beating Spanish rivals Atletico Madrid in the final.

Bale himself scored in that final and also in the Copa del Rey final when Real beat Barcelona. This season though, his place has come under threat from the form of Isco who has bolstered an attacking midfield already consisting of Ronaldo, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez.

In the most recent game Bale returned to the starting line-up after a muscle injury and scored against Rayo Vallecano, but fresh rumours suggest that Bale wants to return to the Premier League.

There has even been incredible talk of Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti wanting to bring back Angel Di Maria  and willing to send Bale the other way to Old Trafford in order to make it happen. Chelsea are rumoured to be watching events at the Bernebeu with interest too and, if Bale was deemed surplus to requirements, would be interested in bringing him back to England.

Much of this is paper talk though and as the January transfer window approaches, rumours surface every day. Bale has a first team place at Real Madrid and seems settled in Spain. A move in January therefore appears very unlikely. However, is a move next summer that outlandish? By then Bale would have had two seasons in La Liga and may be tempted to join a leading English club to try and add the Premier League title to his growing collection of trophies.

For the leading Premier League clubs it will be a case of monitoring the situation at the Bernebeu and assessing whether Bale is getting enough first team action. If Ancelotti is willing to sell then Bale may well become a Premier League player once again in time for the 2015-16 season.