Exclusive: Man United haven't given up on world record swoop for Real ace Gareth Bale

Louis van Gaal has not given up his pursuit of Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale just yet

MANCHESTER UNITED will not give up on their world record pursuit of Real Madrid star Gareth Bale.

 

With £59.7 million Angel Di Maria heading for Paris Saint-Germain Old Trafford boss Louis van Gaal’s desire to make a ‘galactico’ signing has grown even stronger.

United would like Barcelona’s Pedro, whose release clause is £22 million, to help bolster the squad for a concerted Premier League title challenge but that won’t dampen the urge to bring in former Tottenham flyer Bale.

The club’s new kit suppliers Adidas who are pumping in a staggering £750 million over the next 10 years are also pushing for Wales international Bale to join United.

He is one of the company’s A listers and they believe that Bale and United is the perfect fit in terms of marketing.

 

The fact that Real Madrid would want all of the £86 million - and more - to part with the 26-year-old, is not putting off the Old Trafford hierarchy led by executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.

They are prepared to smash the Bale world record fee to snatch a player they feel could help them win the Premier League.

United will push for Bale right up until the transfer window closes hoping that the Spaniards will relent, especially if the Bernabeu fans once again turn on him. Also in the knowledge they are desperate to sign keeper David de Gea.

 

Van Gaal insists United are missing at least one big piece of his jig-saw – the top player, his galactico to make the title difference.

The Dutchman is disappointed to lose Di Maria, especially for £45 million. But the Argentinian international failed to make the expected impact last season, especially after he and his family became unsettled following a burglary at their Cheshire home.

Pedro who scored in Barcelona’s 2011 Champions League final victory over United and who made 50 appearances for the La Liga giants is likely to arrive this month.

But that won’t be the end of United’s transfer business. They’ve had a huge bid of around £60 million turned down by Bayern Munich for Thomas Muller while Ajax’s Jasper Cillessen will arrive if De Gea leaves.