Author Rob Beasley released the superb ‘Jose Mourinho: Up Close and Personal’ book last year, which he worked closely with the Portuguese boss on.
It is full of fascinating insights and tales about Mourinho during his spell as Chelsea boss.
And today Beasley hinted that the man he worked so closely with could soon complete a stunning transfer deal.
He tweeted this evening: “Am hearing whispers of Gareth Bale to #MUFC in the summer.”
Express Sport understand Manchester United will not be deterred by Bale’s dismal injury record if Real Madrid decide to sell the Wales superstar.
Patience with Bale, 28, is understood to be wearing thin at the Bernabeu.
Mourinho has made no secret of his desire to sign the former Tottenham winger and said in August he would be “at the front of the queue” if Real no longer wanted him.
The door was closed on United’s interest then with Bale saying he wanted to stay in Spain, but he may have the decision taken out of his hands in the coming months.
United are ready to make an £80million move with senior figures insisting that Mourinho would be confident of getting Bale back to his best.
A source said: “Jose prides himself at motivating injured players and making them feel they can run through brick walls.”
But Mourinho won’t get him easily with Mauricio Pochettino open to the prospect of Bale making a return to Spurs.
Tottenham, who sold the Welshman to Real for £85million in September 2013, are ready to join United and Manchester City in trying to lure him back to England.
And Pochettino refused to dampen the chances of Bale rejoining ahead of the club’s return to White Hart Lane next year when redevelopment is complete.
The Spurs manager said “He’s a fantastic player. He keeps contact with all the people here who worked here in the past.”