Manchester United are prepared to take Gareth Bale off Real Madrid hands.

However, the Mirror says they are so worried by Gareth Bale's injury history they will only offer the winger a pay-as-you-play deal.

Fresh reports indicate the Red Devils want to cover their backs if Real Madrid ace Bale wants to sign - having hired a private investigator to earn an insight the Welshman.

A number of injury problems have held Bale back in Spain, most notably to his ankle and calf as he sat out over 50 games in the past three years.

This season has been less painful with a record of two goals and two assists coming from seven outings.

But Zinedine Zidane spent the summer trying to oust the 30-year-old.

United were among the teams touted for a move but Bale's mega £650,000-a-week salary proved a mega hurdle.

That has compelled the Old Trafford outfit to reportedly only consider a pay-as-you-play deal.