The Welshman has endured a torrid season in Spain, with many Real Madrid fans booing him for his performances, but Ed Woodward is desperate to lure him to Old Trafford።
Gareth Bale’s season is ending in something like ignominy. A Champions League semi-final exit and a Liga title challenge collapsing at the final hurdle have hurt considerably more on the back of a boo-boy campaign from Real Madrid supporters and critics.
One could forgive the Welsh flyer for wanting out.
And yet, Bale is absolutely determined to stay in the Spanish capital and prove his worth. It is a desire shared by Real president Florentino Perez, the man who sanctioned a world-record €100m fee in buying the forward from Tottenham.
Which means disappointment, for now, for Manchester United. Ed Woodward, the United executive vice-chairman who has pursued Bale for more than two years, has privately accepted defeat.
But United’s desire to sign Bale will not end this summer. Indeed they may never give up on their dream of bringing Bale to the club, no matter the cost and no matter the wait.
Within the Old Trafford corridors of power Bale, quite simply, is viewed as the ultimate signing.
They offered €130m to Spurs two years ago when the now 25-year-old already had his heart set on Real Madrid and would be prepared to match that bid to bring him to Manchester today.
Bale is the most famous British footballer, a two-time PFA player of the year and has the star quality to become the main man for United. Jonathan Barnett, Bale’s agent, has said his Madrid team-mates should pass to him more - he would get that at United.
More than that, Bale would represent a statement signing for United in accordance with Woodward’s policy of bringing world-class players to the club every year.
Manchester United went on a huge spending spree last summer, prompted by the desire of the board to prove the club’s status and financial power could still attract the best players on the planet.
The arrivals of Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao briefly gave birth to the term ‘Van Gaalacticos’ and while they have failed to deliver on the pitch, Woodward got what he wanted from them off it.
Signing a Real Madrid player would show that they remained a huge force to be reckoned with on the commercial circuit; that in terms of marketability and reputation, Manchester United are arguably the world’s richest and most famous club.
One could forgive the Welsh flyer for wanting out.
And yet, Bale is absolutely determined to stay in the Spanish capital and prove his worth. It is a desire shared by Real president Florentino Perez, the man who sanctioned a world-record €100m fee in buying the forward from Tottenham.
Which means disappointment, for now, for Manchester United. Ed Woodward, the United executive vice-chairman who has pursued Bale for more than two years, has privately accepted defeat.
But United’s desire to sign Bale will not end this summer. Indeed they may never give up on their dream of bringing Bale to the club, no matter the cost and no matter the wait.
Within the Old Trafford corridors of power Bale, quite simply, is viewed as the ultimate signing.
They offered €130m to Spurs two years ago when the now 25-year-old already had his heart set on Real Madrid and would be prepared to match that bid to bring him to Manchester today.
Bale is the most famous British footballer, a two-time PFA player of the year and has the star quality to become the main man for United. Jonathan Barnett, Bale’s agent, has said his Madrid team-mates should pass to him more - he would get that at United.
More than that, Bale would represent a statement signing for United in accordance with Woodward’s policy of bringing world-class players to the club every year.
Manchester United went on a huge spending spree last summer, prompted by the desire of the board to prove the club’s status and financial power could still attract the best players on the planet.
The arrivals of Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao briefly gave birth to the term ‘Van Gaalacticos’ and while they have failed to deliver on the pitch, Woodward got what he wanted from them off it.
Signing a Real Madrid player would show that they remained a huge force to be reckoned with on the commercial circuit; that in terms of marketability and reputation, Manchester United are arguably the world’s richest and most famous club.
Signings like Di Maria and Falcao boost United’s worldwide image and their commercial strength when it comes to negotiating deals such as the €100m-a-year kit contract that kicks in with Adidas this summer.
And it is why Bale will remain top of their ‘wanted’ list for a long while to come.
United pushed hard to bring Cristiano Ronaldo back to the club two years ago and genuinely thought a deal was possible before the striker decided to sign a new contract with Real Madrid.
Money is not a problem and United are willing to spend around €200m this summer to give Van Gaal a team capable of winning the club’s 21st league title next season.
Memphis Depay has agreed to join United when the transfer window opens, but who is going to be this year’s Galactico in the north west?
Paul Pogba could be one option. It would cost up to €100m to bring the Juventus midfielder back to United having lost him for a small compensation payment three years ago.
Not only would United have to swallow their pride to sign Pogba, but they would have a difficult time convincing the Frenchman to join the club after he left on bad terms, particularly with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Manchester City and Chelsea all sniffing around.
Otherwise, United might find it hard to make a statement signing this year, with the world’s best players invariably settled at their clubs, whether Real Madrid, Barcelona or Bayern Munich.
Edinson Cavani, the Paris Saint-Germain star, could be an option if Van Gaal decides to overhaul his forward line. United are not expected to make Falcao’s loan move permanent while they will listen to offers for Robin van Persie after the Dutchman’s disappointing form this season.
But make no mistake, United are in the market for the biggest names around, money is no object.
Depay has been brought in at the wishes of Van Gaal. Woodward will not rest until he gets his wish too – Gareth Bale in a United shirt.
And it is why Bale will remain top of their ‘wanted’ list for a long while to come.
United pushed hard to bring Cristiano Ronaldo back to the club two years ago and genuinely thought a deal was possible before the striker decided to sign a new contract with Real Madrid.
Money is not a problem and United are willing to spend around €200m this summer to give Van Gaal a team capable of winning the club’s 21st league title next season.
Memphis Depay has agreed to join United when the transfer window opens, but who is going to be this year’s Galactico in the north west?
Paul Pogba could be one option. It would cost up to €100m to bring the Juventus midfielder back to United having lost him for a small compensation payment three years ago.
Not only would United have to swallow their pride to sign Pogba, but they would have a difficult time convincing the Frenchman to join the club after he left on bad terms, particularly with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Manchester City and Chelsea all sniffing around.
Otherwise, United might find it hard to make a statement signing this year, with the world’s best players invariably settled at their clubs, whether Real Madrid, Barcelona or Bayern Munich.
Edinson Cavani, the Paris Saint-Germain star, could be an option if Van Gaal decides to overhaul his forward line. United are not expected to make Falcao’s loan move permanent while they will listen to offers for Robin van Persie after the Dutchman’s disappointing form this season.
But make no mistake, United are in the market for the biggest names around, money is no object.
Depay has been brought in at the wishes of Van Gaal. Woodward will not rest until he gets his wish too – Gareth Bale in a United shirt.
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