Jose Mourinho 'cautious over Gareth Bale deal'

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is reportedly against the Red Devils blowing their summer transfer budget on Real Madrid attacker Gareth Bale.

Bale issued a come-and-get-me-plea to interested clubs after scoring twice in Madrid's 3-1 win over Liverpool in the Champions League final last weekend.

United are reportedly prepared to spend up to £122m to land the Wales international this summer, although it is understood that Los Blancos want closer to £200m for the 28-year-old.

According to The Sun, United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is desperate to land the attacker, but Mourinho does not want the bulk of the club's summer transfer budget to be spent on one player, having identified a number of positions that need improvement.

Bale has four years left to run on his contract at the Bernabeu, and ended the 2017-18 campaign with 21 goals in 39 appearances for Madrid despite struggling for starts throughout the season.

United are also believed to be nearing a deal for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred, who could cost the 20-time English champions in the region of £53m.