Manchester United seem hellbent on signing a right-winger this summer.
United fans have been taken aback by the lack of transfer activity at Old Trafford ahead of the 2020/21 campaign with the club seemingly becoming preoccupied with the Jadon Sancho deal.
The Borussia Dortmund starlet being United's main transfer target this summer is the worst-kept secret in world football right now, but that doesn't mean that cutting a deal has been easy.
The chase for Jadon Sancho
Multiple reports, dating back to as early as August, have claimed that the Red Devils have agreed personal terms with the England youngster, but the transfer fee remains a sticking point.
It remains to be seen whether United will cave in and pay the club-record fee that's being demanded, particularly during the economic worries of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It's understandable that Dortmund want such a monumental fee for Sancho when you consider he's on the back of a stunning 2019/20 campaign were he surpassed both 15 goals and 15 assists.
United considering alternatives
However, there's good reason to think that United won't put away their wallet for the summer if they can't cut a deal for Sancho and alternatives are reportedly already being considered.
The likes of Juventus' Douglas Costa, Inter Milan's Ivan Perisic and Bayern Munich's Kingsley Coman have been touted as potential back-up options if Dortmund maintain their stance.
None of those player tickling your fancy, though? Well, fear not, because it's been reported that one of the most persistent transfer rumours surrounding United could finally come to fruition.
Bale interested in Man Utd
That's because Real Madrid star Gareth Bale is reportedly open to a loan move to Old Trafford having fallen out of favour at the Bernabeu and barely featured since the return from lockdown.
Paul Hirst of The Times reported on Monday afternoon that Bale 'is open to the possibility' of moving to the 'Theatre of Dreams' if a move can be struck with Los Blancos this summer.
It's said that United have not ruled out the possibility of bringing in an experienced winger, such as Bale, on loan if a deal cannot be cut to sign Sancho.
A deal for the former Tottenham player had formerly been considered impossible because of his lofty wages and although progress has clearly been made, it's still deemed 'unlikely to happen'.
However, Kaveh Solhekol reiterated during an appearance on Sky Sports News that Bale is open to both a permanent and loan move to United or any of Europe's top clubs for that matter.
GIVEMESPORT's Kobe Tong says
On loan? Sure, why not. A permanent deal? Not for me.
Sadly, I think the ship has sailed for Bale to United to be the sort of blockbuster transfer it could have been three or four years ago, even if I think it could be a fruitful collaboration for a season.
We're at a stage right now where bringing in Bale wouldn't disrupt Mason Greenwood's progress and he's surely guaranteed to score at least 10 goals in the Premier League if he stays fit.
But to sign Bale on a permanent transfer at 31 years old when he's been robbed of so much first-team football would seem like a slightly-lesser version of the whole Alexis Sanchez mess.
Do I think it will happen? As exciting as it would be, I highly doubt it, but I'd frankly be happy to see Bale playing for any team other than Real because the sport has well and truly missed him.