Probably Chelsea are probably the only ones really who are going to pay that kind of money
Paul Merson on Gareth Bale
"Gareth deserves the greatest of respect. The way Real fans have treated him is nothing short of a disgrace.”
Barnett says Bale will not be leaving Real this summer but Merson was asked where he could go if he were to return to the Premier League.
Manchester United have been previously linked with the 29-year-old but Merson cannot see that deal happening.
So he reckons Chelsea is a more likely bet, if the Blues’ appeal against their transfer ban is successful.
Gareth Bale: Chelsea are more likely than Man Utd to sign the Real Madrid star, says Paul Merson (Image: GETTY)
Gareth Bale's agent has spoken out about his treatment at Real Madrid (Image: GETTY)
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Gareth Bale has suffered criticism from Real Madrid fans (Image: GETTY)
“I would have said Man United a while back,” Merson said on Sky Sports News.
“But now you’re looking at [Marcus] Rashford, you’re looking at [Anthony] Martial.
“Would they pay that kind of money for him? I think it’s hard, I don’t know.
“Probably Chelsea are probably the only ones really who are going to pay that kind of money.
Man United at 'front of the queue' for Gareth Bale says pundit
Gareth Bale has won four Champions League titles at Real Madrid (Image: GETTY)
“You’ve got [Callum] Hudson-Odoi, and then you’ve got the transfer embargo.
“They’ve appealed, if they get another one you never know whether they’re just going to go mad in the transfer market and buy three or four players.
“I don’t see too many places opening up for him.
"I thought it would be Man United but I don’t see that now.”
Bale and Real Madrid are aiming to make the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday as they host Ajax in their last-16 second leg, leading 2-1 from the return match.