Will Bayern Munich take on Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale for a loan with an option to buy?

With the disappointment of Leroy Sane’s injury on the minds of most Bayern Munich fans, the club’s front office has been hard at work implementing a contingency plan for what most would consider the worst-case scenario.

A signing of Inter Milan’s Ivan Perisic appears imminent and the Bavarians have also been tied to Juventus forward Mario Mandzukic, but there is another highly talented, highly expensive forward that Bayern has been linked with of late: Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale.

The oft-injured, but undeniably skilled, 30-year-old is peaking Bayern’s interest heavily according to Sport. With Real Madrid making a serious run at Paris Saint-Germain megastar Neymar, Los Blancos may need to dump some salary in an effort to stay somewhat financially responsible:

The bombshell for Neymar by Real Madrid could give rise to many variables, including one where Bale could be an option to reduce costs. The truth is that there is an option for Real Madrid to give away the Welshman that passes through Bayern Munich.

Bale’s name has caused a ripple within the Bayern fanbase as some fans are intrigued by his talent, while others are wary of his injury history and somewhat diva-like behavior. Some others are even concerned about how Bale’s wages would affect Bayern locker room.

Still, with a goal of fortifying the squad, Bayern Munich could be willing to get creative in an effort to add more talent and depth to its roster. Per Sport, a loan-with-an-option-to-buy arrangement — like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid worked out for James — could be the way to go:

It also turns out that the German team has very good relations (with Real Madrid) and could return to use the same formula used with James Rodriguez. A loan, where the German team would assume the wages of the player, with an option to buy that has existed with the Colombian and was not exercised by Bayern Munich.

A move for Bale could be contingent on Real Madrid’s purchase of Neymar. With rumors circulating that Neymar’s salary would be upwards of €40 million, Los Blancos would do well to rid itself of a few assets. Right now, Bale, James Rodriguez, and Isco are rumored to be the most likely candidates for a dismissal. Bale’s current salary is reported to be in the €15 million range.

The question could legitimately come down to the following: Is Zinedine Zidane’s dislike of Bale enough that he can convince the Real Madrid front office to let the Welshman walk away for far less than market value? And is there a legitimate need for an über-rich club like Real Madrid to have to clear salary to bring in a player like Neymar?

The closer we get to the deadline, the answer to both questions could be a resounding “Yes”.