Gareth Bale has shown tremendous form since signing for Real Madrid, but that has not stopped the rumours from linking the Welshman to a return to the English Premier League.
Manchester United were the side to be heavily linked with making a move for Bale during the next summer transfer window, or even the January transfer window, if that was possible, and the latest to join the queue for the electric Welshman are Chelsea.
According to Tuttomercatweb, Chelsea are monitoring the situation with Bale at Real Madrid while considering a mega bid during the summer transfer window after the end of this season.
Recent reports, whiling linking Bale with a world record £90 million move to Manchester United, suggested the forward's place in the Real Madrid lineup was in jeopardy owing to the form shown by Isco and the arrival of James Rodriguez.
Bale has struggled with injuries this season, and that has allowed Isco to stake his claim for a regular place in the team. Those reports claimed Real Madrid would consider selling Bale, particularly if he continues to struggle with injuries and owing to the fact that Carlo Ancelotti has an embarrassment of attacking riches at his disposal.
However, Ancelotti was quick to play down a summer exit for Bale, either to Manchester United or Chelsea, citing the match-winning goals scored by the former Tottenham man in the Copa Del Rey and Champions League finals last season.
Without a doubt Bale remains a key player for Ancelotti and Real Madrid, but if the player does decide on a move back to the Premier League, Chelsea will reportedly be waiting right there to spring alongside Loiuis Van Gaal and Manchester United, according to the report.
Chelsea are set to announce record profits this year, profits which will undoubtedly give Jose Mourinho plenty of money to play with during the summer transfer window.
The Blues also look well on course to clinch the Premier League title this season, as the other contenders continue to flounder, and if Jose Mourinho adds Bale to his ranks for next season, then the West London side will have a seriously scary lineup, capable of toppling any team in Europe.