Carlo Ancelotti is interested in signing Wales international superstar Gareth Bale for Everton when the transfer window opens this summer.
The 31-year old forward is currently playing for Tottenham after signing a season-long loan deal with his former club last summer after being deemed surplus to requirements by Real Madrid.
He has now emerged as a candidate for Everton’s summer recruitment, with Ancelotti said to be keen on reuniting with the player he formerly managed during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Diario Madridista report that journalist Eduardo Inda, who spoke about Bale’s future on Spanish football debate show El Chiringuito de Jugones, claimed that Everton were to pursue a free transfer for Bale.
Tottenham aren’t expected to pursue Bale on a permanent basis and Diario Madridista claim that Real Madrid can’t afford to keep him, with his high salary limiting what the Galacticos can do in the transfer market.
Ancelotti is said to be interested in exploiting this situation in very much the same way that he did with James Rodriguez last summer, who also joined on a free transfer after being pushed out by Zinedine Zidane.
Inda made clear that Everton don’t intend on paying anything in regards to a transfer fee for Bale, and that by helping Madrid out of a tight financial spot they hope to receive the Welsh attacker for nothing.
Can’t see this one
Everton have been linked with a number of audacious and ambitious transfer swoops over the past few weeks, and it seems the speculation keeps coming.
Looking at a potential move for Bale on paper, he would certainly improve the quality that Everton have out wide while he would also provide further squad depth, and Ancelotti has shown in the past that he is able to tempt big name players to come to Merseyside.
However, there is so much about this story that just doesn’t benefit Everton in the long run.
First and foremost, Bale’s wages are likely astronomical compared to the standard salary offered up by the Blues, and it seems unlikely that, unless Bale took a hefty wage cut, that Everton could even afford to sign the player, transfer fee or not.
Secondly, his age doesn’t bode well for Everton’s pursuit of long-term signings who possess sell-on value. Signing a 29-year old James Rodriguez was one thing, but Bale will be 32 before next season begins, and partnered with his wages he just isn’t worth the hassle.
All of that is assuming that he would even consider joining Everton, which certainly isn’t a given, no matter how influential Ancelotti might be.
It’s hugely positive to see that Everton are showing ambition in the transfer market, and we certainly hope that the club continue to do so, but nothing about signing Bale really seems viable for the club at this point in time.
In other Everton news, ‘Quite similar’ – Bundesliga expert likens towering Toffees target to ‘Sensational’ Everton ace.
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