Chelsea enter Bale race

Chelsea have joined the race to sign Real Madrid star Gareth Bale, according to the Metro.

The winger has faced criticism in some quarters following a string of inconsistent performances for the European Champions, and could be set for a move away from the Bernabeu at the end of the season.

Since arriving in Spain, the former Tottenham Hotspur man has racked eight-three appearances in all competitions, scoring thirty eight goals – winning both the Copa Del Rey and the Champions League in his debut season with the club.

Internationally, he has been capped forty-nine times for Wales, and he scored his fifteenth and sixteenth goals for his country in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Israel in the European Championship qualifiers.

Manchester United have also been linked with a move for the 25 year old, though they are set to face competition from Jose Mourinho’s side, who are weighing up a £217,000 –a-week offer.