Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is ready to make a firm move for Real Madrid star Gareth Bale.
The well-connected AS reports there's a growing belief that Bale could be sacrificed in order to smooth the arrival of Kylian Mbappe from Monaco.
And Bale's preseason form is offering no signs that he can survive Mbappe's signing.
Against Manchester City, Bale was played in Cristiano Ronaldo's position, but struggled to get into the game. He touched the ball less than anyother Real player during the game and misplaced 50 per cent of his 16 passes attempted.
United boss Mourinho fueled talk of their interest when telling Bale earlier this week that "I couldn't buy you because you didn't talk".
However, it's now emerging that word has been relayed from United to Bale's camp to expect a bid to be tabled in the coming weeks - and not to hesitate.
Mourinho's message is that it will be now or never for the Welshman. He either agrees to join United this summer - or he will move onto other targets next year.