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Gareth Bale will appear at the Europa League final as a pundit.

The former Welsh international will watch his former club Tottenham face Manchester United on Wednesday night, which is live on talkSPORT.

Bale spent six seasons at Spurs before his world-record move to Real Madrid for around £85million in 2013.

After LaLiga and Champions League success in Spain, he returned to north London on loan for the 2020/21 campaign.

And he will now be in attendance for his old club's biggest game of the season at the Estadio de San Mames in Bilbao, Spain.

TNT Sports announced on Monday that he will join their coverage of the Europa League final.

He is set to be joined by Rio Ferdinand, Glenn Hoddle, Robbie Savage and Paul Scholes as part of their team.

Bale featured on television screens earlier this season for TNT Sports in the Champions League.

The 35-year-old was one of their pundits for their league phase clash between Liverpool and Madrid at Anfield that the former won 2-0.

Spurs fans who are unable to make it to Bilbao will be able to watch one of their greatest ever players give his insight from home.

Bale was part of their last squad that won a major trophy during his first ever season at the club when they won the 2008 League Cup.

He didn't feature in their 2-1 final victory over Chelsea, but played and scored in the third round win against Middlesbrough that season, a tie Spurs won 3-2.

The versatile Spurs star, who played as a left-back and winger before becoming a no.10, was then a runner-up a year later as they lost to United on penalties.

Both sides have never met in a cup final since and will be desperate to win on Wednesday night.

Spurs will feel as though they have the upper hand having beaten United three times already this season.

Two came in the Premier League, whilst the other was a 4-3 triumph in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.

However, United have won a trophy in their last two seasons and were Europa League winners as recently as 2017.

talkSPORT.com will have the latest news and build-up on Wednesday including a live match blog for all the updates on the night.

Manchester United and Tottenham meet in the Europa League final later this week, and fans can tune in for FREE.

The Red Devils and Spurs have enjoyed truly terrible Premier League campaigns.

But all of that will be forgotten by whoever wins, with the victor claiming Champions League football next season.

For the loser, it rounds off a tough campaign that would leave them needing a huge summer rebuild.

And fans in the UK can tune in without paying anything.

How to watch Europa League final

The Europa League final will take place on Wednesday, May 21.

The match is being held at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain and kick is set for 8pm UK time.

It will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1 in the UK. It will also be shown on TNT Sports Ultimate and discovery+, with their build-up scheduled to start at 6pm.

However, you can watch it for FREE if you are new to discovery+.

All you have to do is sign up via the mobile app, TV app or website, register your details, sit back and enjoy the match.

You can also access discovery+ via EE, Sky or Virgin Media TV.

Full details can be found here.

Europa League final: talkSPORT coverage

talkSPORT will have live coverage from the Basque County, with Adrian Durham serving as your presenter.

Commentary will then be provided by Jim Proudfoot and former England striker Dean Ashton.

talkSPORT.com will also be on hand for all the latest news and build-up, including a live match blog for all the updates on the night.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

Europa League final: Team news

United are hoping that Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro are available.

The two centre-backs are struggling with injury, and it isn't clear if they will make the final.

If they are ruled out, they would join Joshua Zirkzee and Lisandro Martinez on the sidelines.

For Tottenham, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Bergvall won't play.

There will also be a late fitness check on Pape Matar Sarr after he limped off against Aston Villa.

Europa League final: What has been said?

Ahead of the final, Ange Postecoglou has made it clear that winning the Europa League would be for the fans.

He said: “Managers, players; we come and go.

"We contribute where we can, but the supporters are the constants at any football club. They're always there and you just have to think about 15-odd years since the last trophy.

“But 1984 was the last time they saw their club lift a European trophy. Since 1984, there have been supporters who have been coming to every game.

"So, you can imagine what impact that will have on their lives, their family's lives, the people who are in their circle.

"It will be something they'll never forget and it'll be something that they'll share with two, three generations of people in their circle.”

Harry Kane is 'not thinking about being anywhere else' when asked if a Premier League return is on the cards.

The England captain finally won his first major trophy with Bayern Munich after 15 years of professional football.

Kane move to Bayern for £86.4million in 2023, leaving his boyhood club Tottenham Hotspur.

Despite scoring 280 goals in all competition, the striker was unable to help Spurs to a trophy win.

Now Kane has lifted the Bundesliga ‘Meisterschale', alongside Bayern's women's team who also won their league title.

The English striker currently sits second in the Premier League goal scoring chart, needing 48 more goals to take the spot from Alan Shearer.

When asked if he plans to return to break that record, Kane said: "No, I don't really think about it."

"I think I've learned in my career as you've become more experienced, you just do what you can," he said in an interview with BBC Sport.

"Football kind of takes you on your own journey. I really enjoy my time here and I'm not thinking about being anywhere else.

"We have a great coach, a great team, and I just want to be as successful as I can with Bayern."

Kane, who has two years left on his contract, has also settled his family in Germany.

"We've all been together in a house for over a year, and the kids are in school, they're loving it," said the 31-year-old.

"My wife's really enjoyed it here and we're loving every second. Like I said, the way the German people, the Bayern fans, have taken us in - it's really made us feel special, not just for me, but for my family as well."

When it comes to breaking records, Kane has become the first player to win the Golden Boot in each of their first two Bundesliga seasons.

He has scored 82 goals in 91 matches across all competitions for the German side.

This latest Golden Boot marks the fifth of his career, having won the Premier League's award three times at Spurs.

"I enjoy every one," said Kane.

"I think this one's even more special because we won the title with it as well.

"Obviously, I've won a few in my career and you can never really celebrate that, because you always will be disappointed that the season hasn't finished the way you wanted to.

"So yes, to have that, plus the title, was just a perfect way to finish the season."

While it wasn't with his boyhood club, Kane has ended his 15-year trophy drought at last.

The 31 year-old said: "It was an amazing experience, to be honest.

"Obviously I've seen celebrations like this from afar but, until you experience it yourself, it's hard to put in to words."

Bayern finished the season 13 points clear of second place Bayer Leverkusen.

It marks the 34th Bundesliga title for the club, and the 12th in the past 13 seasons.

After departing Tottenham as the club's record goalscorer without any silverware, many believe that this title serves as a form of career vindication for Kane.

Reflecting on the end of his career trophy-drought, the striker said: "I think, from my point of view, my career is still the same.

"I still work to improve. I still try and be better every year. I think maybe from the outside, the perception will now be a little bit different.

"You know, I've had amazing messages and amazing comments from a lot of people. I think there's a lot of people who are happy to see me win my first title.

"Of course, it was a great feeling for me, and probably a relief as well, just to have that off my back."

Francesco Farioli is an option to potentially replace Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham Hotspur having stepped down at Ajax, talkSPORT understands.

Spurs could be set for a managerial change this summer with the club on course for their lowest Premier League finish in history.

The north London outfit shockingly languish in 17th spot with just one game remaining.

They have already accumulated their most defeats in a single Premier League season [21] and will end the campaign with their lowest points tally.

But Spurs could still end the season by ending their 17-year trophy drought with Postecoglou guiding his side to the Europa League final.

However, it is believed that victory over Manchester United in Europe's second-tier tournament - which would secure Champions League football - may not be enough to keep the Australian in a job.

It's understood that a shortlist has been knocked up by the club should the decision be made to part ways with Postecoglou.

Fabio Paratici, who is closing in on a return as Spurs' managing director, is a huge fan of his Italian compatriot Farioli.

The 36-year-old, who is on the radar of clubs in England, Italy and Germany, has earned plenty of plaudits in his only season in charge at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

But unfortunately, he oversaw an unwanted European first as PSV inexplicably pipped Ajax to the Eredivisie title.

Never before has a side failed to win the league when leading by nine points with five matches to play.

PSV overtook them at the top with one fixture remaining after Ajax lost twice and drew as many times in four games.

And in news that will peak Spurs' interest, Farioli has stepped down as Ajax's manager following Sunday's 2-0 win over FC Twente.

Addressing his decision in a club statement on Monday morning, Farioli said: "Being Ajax first non-Dutch coach since 1998 and the club's first-ever Italian one have been an absolute privilege.

"Together with my staff we embraced this huge challenge with respect, responsibility, passion and determination to succeed.

"Earning the respect and support from Ajax fans we felt throughout the whole season meant a lot for myself and my staff.

"We lived unbelievable and unforgettable moments all together: a unique, intense, emotional season in which we shared belief, fighting spirit and pride, finally achieving our goal, accomplishing our mission.

"The management and I have the same goals for the future of Ajax, but we have different visions and timeframes about the way we should work and operate to achieve those goals.

"Given these differences in the principles and foundations of the project, I feel deep in my heart that this is the best moment to part ways."

Expressing his frustration over Farioli's decision, Ajax technical director Alex Kroes remarked: "I find this incredibly disappointing."

Before adding: "This summer was already set to be a challenging transfer window, and it has now become even more so."

As well as Farioli, talkSPORT understands that Fulham manager Marco Silva remains an option for Spurs.

And in a boost for Tottenham, Silva recently rejected a big-money move to Saudi Arabia due to his desire to remain in Europe.

Though one boss who Spurs seem set to miss out on is Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner.

Glasner guided the Eagles to their first major trophy over the weekend after his side beat Manchester City 1-0 in the FA Cup final.

And Palace chairman Steve Parish has now confirmed that talks will shortly be held to extend the Austrian's stay at Selhurst Park beyond 2026.

He insisted: "He will stay here. For some period of time."

Before adding: "But he’ll be here next year and then we’ll take it from there.

“Everybody knows the length of Oliver’s contract. Beyond that we’ll have to talk. We want to try and extend his contract.

“We have been talking about it. For Oliver, it’s not about the things that maybe people think it’s about. Oliver wants to be part of something that’s going in a direction, same with all of us. I think that’s what we’ll talk about."

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have both confirmed their kits for the Europa League final - but not without a little confusion.

The Premier League struggles have reached the showpiece at San Mames, which will take place on Wednesday, in extraordinary circumstances.

Both Spurs and the Red Devils have endured terrible domestic seasons and yet one will qualify for the Champions League with victory in Europe.

They currently sit 17th and 16th in the Premier League, respectively, but will both go hell for leather in Bilbao to lift the famous trophy.

With tickets bought and travel sorted for most fans, the final details are being ironed out for the event.

And as that happens, Manchester United - technically the away team on the day - posted an article to confirm what strip they will wear on the night - live on talkSPORT.

It read: "We can reveal Ruben Amorim’s side are due to wear our red shirts, with black shorts and black socks.

"The last time we turned out in this combination was in the away tie at Real Sociedad in the same competition, when Joshua Zirkzee’s goal earned a 1-1 draw on the road.

"Our starting goalkeeper is set to wear all green.

"Ruben’s charges were also decked out in the same set of colours for the 2-2 draw at Everton, but that is the only time that has been the case this term."

The article then confusingly added: "Spurs, who are the designated home team, look certain to be in their traditional white jerseys, with blue shorts, but have still to confirm this."

However, Tottenham have already confirmed they will be wear all-white - as is tradition for the club in European fixtures.

Spurs announced this on Saturday via Instagram, posting a picture of club captain Heung-Min Son wearing the attire.

Had Spurs been wearing their blue shorts, as they do so in Premier League games, Manchester United would not have been able to wear the black shorts as they have confirmed.

Ahead of the crucial match, Tottenham were handed another blow on Friday night.

In their final fixture before the clash in Bilbao, young midfielder Pape Matar Sarr was forced off with a back injury.

He joins James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski as fresh additions to a Spurs injury list which had finally cleared after a tumultuous season.

Manager Ange Postecoglou had to contend with a lengthy list of absentees for most of the campaign before a host of stars returned in March.

The likes of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven have all had their minutes managed as they propelled the team into the European final.

Manchester United are not without injuries either.

Lisandro Martinez, Joshua Zirkzee are both long-term absentees, meanwhile Matthijs de Ligt is another player who could potentially miss the final.

Tottenham Hotspur face a nervous wait regarding Pape Matar Sarr's injury knock just days before the Europa League final.

Ange Postecoglou's side were beaten 2-0 by Aston Villa on Friday night - their 21st Premier League defeat of the season.

The fixture represented their final league outing before facing Manchester United in Bilbao on Wednesday.

Despite making three changes for the trip to Villa Park as he rested players for the final, Postecoglou still suffered a fitness blow.

Central midfielder Sarr was forced off after 53 minutes, with Yves Bissouma replacing him in midfield.

The Senegalese international picked up a knock to his back before trudging down the tunnel alongside Spurs medical staff.

Mikey Moore also appeared in discomfort as he made way for Brennan Johnson with three minutes remaining.

Meanwhile, skipper Son Heung-min continued his injury comeback by starting against Villa.

Addressing the potential injuries after the match, Postecoglou told Sky Sports: "He [Pape Sarr] felt something in his back and took him off as a precaution.

"Not too significant and Mikey was OK but was just fatigued.

"He [Son Heung-min] is ready and available. They all are ready to start. It was important tonight and he feels like he is getting back to some rhythm.

"I thought up until they scored the boys worked hard, they were really disciplined and organised.

"We didn't really let them create too many openings. We had our moments as well going forward, but once they scored we lost a little bit of belief.

"A lot of those guys haven't played a lot and we looked like we were fatiguing and then the game just got away from us."

The Spurs boss could now be without six first-team players for the Europa League final should Sarr be ruled out.

His side face the Red Devils at the San Mames, with the winner qualifying for next season's Champions League.

A win would also secure Spurs' first major trophy since lifting the League Cup in 2008.

However, Postecoglou will have to do so without long-term absentees Radu Dragusin, James Maddison and Timo Werner.

Lucas Bergvall will also miss the match as his absence with an ankle injury continues.

Meanwhile, Dejan Kulusevski is the latest player to join the treatment table after undergoing knee surgery this week.

The Swedish winger is not expected to return to action until the end of August at the earliest.

Tottenham Hotspur's nightmare Premier League season has suffered a historic new low after they were beaten 2-0 by Aston Villa.

Ange Postecoglou's side travelled to Villa Park on Friday night for their final top-flight away match of the campaign.

The visitors suffered their 21st league defeat of the season as the hosts snatch all three points thanks to two second half goals.

Ezri Konsa opened the scoring by helping Ollie Watkins' header into the net before Boubacr Kamara fired home from the edge of the box.

Villa's victory bolsters their hopes of a top five finish as they climb up to fifth in the table.

Their fate remains out of their own hands, though, after Chelsea beat Manchester United.

Meanwhile, Manchester City can regain their place in the Champions League places by beating Bournemouth in their game in hand on Tuesday.

In contrast, Postecoglou continues to break unwanted records for the North London outfit after going 12 league matches without a clean sheet for the first time since 2010.

Spurs had already accumulated their most defeats in a single Premier League campaign before their latest reverse.

However, they have also now confirmed they will end the season on their lowest points tally in the league's history.

Prior to the current campaign, Spurs' previous worst points return came in 1997/98 as they finished 14th on 44 points.

Following the loss to Villa, they head into the final day of the season on just 38 this term.

It means even with a win at home to Brighton on May 25, Spurs cannot finish on anymore than 41 points.

That tally would not have been enough to survive on one occasion in Premier League history, back during the 2002/03 season.

Meanwhile, their current total would see Spurs relegated on at least four occasions, with goal difference coming into play in a further two seasons.

As for their league position, Postecoglou could still end the campaign as high as 14th.

However, both West Ham and Wolves are still to play this weekend and would move out of reach with a win and a draw, respectively.

Those results would consign Spurs to their lowest finish in the Premier League era, previously 15th in 1993/94.

It would also be their worst final position since promotion back to the top-flight 47 years ago.

On that occasion, they had been relegated in 1977 with a total of 33 points during a period where just two points were awarded for a win.

When converted to the current points system, Spurs would have finished on 45, more than they can achieve this time around.

Despite their poor league campaign, Postecoglou could still secure Champions League football this term.

His side face Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao on Wednesday.

The winners will qualify for next season's league phase as well as a place in the UEFA Super Cup final.

Marco Silva has told Al-Hilal he wants to stay in Europe despite a mega-money offer to join the Saudi Pro League side, talkSPORT understands.

Fulham boss Silva has held several meetings with Hilal officials, who wanted him to lead them at this summer's Club World Cup.

Hilal asked for a final answer this week after being told by Simone Inzaghi he wanted to remain at Inter Milan.

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo is another name appreciated by Hilal chiefs.

Silva is on Tottenham's list of potential replacements for Ange Postecoglou.

The Australian's future appears destined to hinge on the result of Tottenham's Europa League final against Manchester United on May 21.

Postecoglou has overseen a dismal Premier League campaign as Tottenham slumped to their 20th league defeat this term via a 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The result left Tottenham in 17th on 38 points with two games remaining and are unable to finish higher than 13th.

It means they are guaranteed to secure their lowest league finish for 21 years, with their current worst being 14th in 2004.

Not only that, Postecoglou can only lead Tottenham to their worst-ever Premier League points tally of 44, which they managed in the 1997/98 season.

As for Silva, he has Fulham destined for a mid-table finish.

The Cottagers sit 11th in the Premier League on 51 points, two ahead of 12th-placed Crystal Palace.

A 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on May 3 saw Silva's side drop to the bottom half of the table for the first time since September 14.

Fulham have also suffered a dip in form having won just once in their last five games.

The sole victory was a 2-1 triumph away to already-relegated Southampton, with Ryan Sessegnon's 92nd-minute strike securing all three points.

Silva took over at Craven Cottage in July 2021 and enjoyed instant success as Fulham won the Championship.

The Portuguese boss also helped Aleksandar Mitrovic break the Championship record for most league goals scored in a single season as the Serbian enjoyed an absurd 43-goal haul.

Fulham shook off their yo-yo club tag when they recorded an impressive 10th-place finish in the 2022/23 Premier League season.

In fact, Silva had the Cottagers firmly in the mix for a European spot, but just four league wins in their final 13 fixtures derailed their hopes for a continental return.

Fulham finished 13th last season as they rebounded from Mitrovic's summer departure to Al-Hilal.

The Europa League Final 2025 will be an all-English affair as Manchester United take on Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao.

The match, to lift the trophy and secure a place in the Champions League next year, is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 21 May, at the San Mames arena, in Spain.

Europa League final tickets at Stubhub, from €1,161

Manchester United reached the final last night after an emphatic win over Athletic Bilbao at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils cruised through with a 7-1 aggregate score, with Mason Mount delivering an unexpected brace.

Similarly, Tottenham Hotspur didn't face much resistance after beating Norweigan side Bodø/Glimt 5-1 on aggregate across the two legs.

While tickets will undoubtedly sell out for this affair, fans might be surprised to learn there are still a handful of tickets available to purchase from the likes of StubHub and Ticombo**.

Keep reading to find out exactly how you can secure your place in this exciting final.

How to buy Europa League Final tickets

Europa League final tickets at Ticombo, from €1,152

For those looking to catch all the action from the Europa League final for themselves, tickets are currently available on two notable websites.

The first option is StubHub, where there are several seats available from around the stadium.

Prices at StubHub start from €1,161 for category 2 seating, but there are closer seats available too.

The other option is Ticombo where tickets start from a very slightly cheaper price point of €1,152.

Similar to StubHub, there are also many options available around the stadium should you want to sit closer to the game.

The game kicks off at 8 pm on Wednesday, 21 May.

How to watch the Europa League Final on TV?

Watch the Europa League final on TNT Sports, from £20 pcm

The San Mames stadium only holds 40,000 fans, so there will undoubtedly be millions watching from home.

For those looking to catch the final, it will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1.

While last year it was free to watch on Discovery+, this year fans must have an active TNT Sports subscription to watch the game.

TNT Sports subscriptions start from as little as £20 per month, and allow viewers to catch more football including selected Premier League games, and even rugby, MotoGP and UFC events.

Ange Postecoglou has revealed his plans to keep his players wrapped in 'cotton wool' ahead of Tottenham's trip to Aston Villa this Friday.

Spurs have just one final Premier League match remaining before their Europa League showdown with Manchester United next week.

As a result, expect wholesale changes from Postecoglou, who saw Brennan Johnson suffer an injury scare during an opening training session.

The Australian joked: “I’m putting them in cotton wool for the next 10 days. Reggy [Sergio Reguilon] tackled Brennan, and they’re on the same team, so that is the way things are going!”

Tottenham requested that the fixture be moved to Friday, meaning they have the same recovery time as Man United for the final in Bilbao.

Such a decision angered Unai Emery's Aston Villa, who are on the cusp of returning to the Champions League.

The Villains know they need to win their last two matches and hope one of Chelsea, Newcastle, Manchester City, or Nottingham Forest drops points.

Aston Villa

Emiliano Martinez is the undisputed number one at Villa Park.

Matty Cash is set to keep his place at right-back, with Emery having a decision to make over who he partners Ezri Konsa with in the centre.

Last weekend it was Tyrone Mings, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see Pau Torres start this one.

At left-back, he also has a choice between Lucas Digne and Ian Maatsen, with the Dutchman in line to start.

Youri Tielemans is injured, so it depends on what Emery wants from his midfield.

Boubacar Kamara will start, but he could be alongside John McGinn, Ross Barkley or Amadou Onana.

Jacob Ramsey is suspended after two yellow cards against Bournemouth.

Therefore, it wouldn't be a surprise to see McGinn on the left, leaving Onana to partner Kamara.

On the right, Morgan Rogers is the clear favourite to start with Marco Asensio behind Ollie Watkins.

Watkins surpassed talkSPORT's Gabby Agbonlahor on Saturday to become the club's all-time leading Premier League goalscorer, and he'll be out for more here.

Man United loanee Marcus Rashford remains sidelined.

Tottenham

After suffering 20 defeats in the Premier League this season, the only match that matters for Spurs is the Europa League final.

As a result, expect to see Postecoglou take as few risks as possible.

Antonin Kinsky started between the sticks on Sunday, and he'll likely keep his place over Guglielmo Vicario.

Pedro Porro should start at right-back to allow Djed Spence to be at left-back and give Destiny Udogie a rest.

Given their injury problems, Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are almost certain to be on the bench, leaving Kevin Danso and Ben Davies to fill in.

In midfield, Spurs are already without James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall, so expect to see Archie Gray start in his natural position.

Yves Bissouma is unlikely to be involved, so Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr will probably start.

In attack, Heung-min Son will hope to start as he looks to get some game time into his legs before the final.

However, it could be deemed too much of a risk, meaning Mikey Moore should be in the XI.

On the opposite side, Brennan Johnson is the first-choice right winger, so Wilson Odobert should take his place for this one.

Dejan Kulusevski also limped off at the weekend, so he won't be risked.

And up front, it would be a huge surprise if Tottenham chance Dominic Solanke's fitness, with Mathys Tel taking a spot in the XI.

Aston Villa vs Tottenham: Date and how to follow

This Premier League game will take place on Friday, May 16.

Kick-off at Villa Park is scheduled for 7:30pm.

talkSPORT 2 will have live coverage from the Midlands, with Nigel Adderley and former England defender Micky Gray providing commentary.

To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.