Premier League champions Chelsea have reportedly shown an interest in signing Gareth Bale from Real Madrid in a deal that could be worth around £90m.
Bale has been tipped to depart the Bernabeu this summer amid suggestions that Los Blancos are looking to finance a move for AS Monaco ace Kylian Mbappe.
Manchester United have been repeatedly linked with the Wales international but, according to The Express, Chelsea have also now emerged as serious contenders if he is allowed to depart the Spanish capital.
The report suggests that, with United delaying a move until next summer at the earliest, the Blues could steal a march on their rivals by tabling an offer in the coming weeks to test Madrid's resolve.
Chelsea have already done business with the Spanish champions during the off-season, bringing in Alvaro Morata for a fee of £65m.