Former Manchester United and Wales midfielder Mickey Thomas has urged compatriot Gareth Bale to return to the Premier League and challenge for the title.

The 28-year-old impressed while on the books of Tottenham Hotspur, even though major honours eluded him during his six-year stint at White Hart Lane.

Bale has found silverware easier to come by at Real Madrid, with four Champions League crowns complementing a Liga title triumph and two Club World Cup wins.

Thomas believes that the former Southampton man should be looking to return to British shores, rather than stay in continental Europe amid reported interest from Bayern Munich.

"He's got enough money, surely now it's not how much he can earn," Thomas told The Mirror. "His CV would be enriched and complete with a Premier League winner's medal. I'd argue that is worth more than all the money he gets.

"OK, I know he has won La Liga and the Champions League with Real Madrid, but he hasn't won the Premier League. I wouldn't want to finish a career like his without a Premier League winner's medal.

"If he came to England and started doing the ­business, winning trophies in this ­country, then it will have been the perfect career. He could go to Germany and play for Bayern Munich, but it's time to prove himself in the Premier League."

Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett reiterated last week that the forward is still seeking assurances from Madrid over playing time next season.