Manchested United plot third world-record bid to land striker superstar

MANCHESTER UNITED are planning a third big-money move for Gareth Bale this summer, according to reports.

 

Real Madrid star Gareth Bale is a long-term target for Manchester United

 

United are currently a club in crisis with manager Louis van Gaal's future under intense scrutiny.

But the Red Devils are already looking ahead to the summer transfer window with no major deals expected this month.

According to The Independent, United have twice failed with world-record offers to Real Madrid for Bale.

It is claimed Bale gave serious consideration to a move to Old Trafford after United bid £100million for his services last summer.

But the state of uncertainty at the Manchester club is thought to have put off the Welshman, who was convinced to stay by then boss Rafa Benitez.

And Bale would need further persuading to move to United this summer, as would Real who are facing the prospect of a two-window transfer embargo.

The 26-year-old is said to be concerned about the isolation he has experienced in the Spanish capital, where Cristiano Ronaldo is the top dog.

It is even claimed that Ronaldo's clique in Madrid - principally involving James Rodriguez and Marcelo - do not pass to Bale when he is operating in a wide position.

Bale has scored 13 goals in 17 appearances for Real this season.