Manchester United boss keen to sign £160m rated pair after losing out on Pedro to Chelsea

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is confident of making a marquee signing this summer

MANCHESTER UNITED boss Louis van Gaal is confident of making a marquee signing before the transfer window closes with both Real Madrid's Gareth Bale and Bayern Munich's Thomas Muller in his sights.

 

United will maintain the chase for the £160 million rated pair right until the window slams shut especially after coming under fire from some Old Trafford fans for missing out on Barcelona winger Pedro.

Despite denials United were confident of landing the experienced forward only for Chelsea to make a successful move at the 11th hour.

 

That has now increased the pressure on executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward who has taken the brunt of the criticism from frustrated United fans who believe their side is short of quality up front to mount a substantial Premier League title challenge.

United have already had two world record bids of around £100 million in the summer knocked back by Real Madrid for Bale while a £60 million bid for Muller has been rejected by Bayern Munich.

Reports in Spain also say United have made a discreet enquiry for Barcelona's Brazilian star Neymar only to be told he is staying put.

Van Gaal though won't take no for an answer over Bale in the knowledge the former Spurs player is not popular with the Madrid fans and didn't even manage to make it into a Real first eleven selected by the club's official members. They preferred Isco ahead of the Welshman.

 

He also knows that at Bayern, Muller has been attracted by the chance of joining former team-mate Bastian Schweinsteiger at Old Trafford on a four year contract worth £250,000 a week.

For Van Gaal the next few days will develop into a high octane game of poker knowing that the club's season could depend on how successful he is.

United also have an interest in Atletico Madrid's French forward Antoine Griezmann in addition to Southampton's Saido Mane.

Money is no object for ambitious United - getting clubs to agree to let their big stars go is the big headache.