Mourinho: Real missed out on Bale last season

Jose Mourinho tried to lure Gareth Bale to Real Madrid last season as the Spanish club continue to pursue the Tottenham star.

The transfer saga involving Bale and Real is currently dominating headlines both in England and Spain, with Tottenham reluctant to let the 24-year-old go.

Real manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed on Thursday that talks over Bale are on-going.

Mourinho, the Italian’s predecessor at the Santiago Bernabeu, has admitted he earmarked the Wales international as a player he wanted to sign in his final season in charge in the Spanish capital.

“I asked the club to buy him last season but it was not possible,” the now Chelsea manager told ESPN.

“It looks like it is happening this season so I am happy for them because they have got a fantastic player but, of course, the numbers are huge numbers and the kid has to go now and there’s pressure to prove that he’s worth that investment.”

Bale netted 21 Premier League goals in 33 appearances last season to finish as third-top scorer behind Manchester United’s Robin van Persie and Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, who himself is at the centre of constant speculation regarding his future.