Gareth Bale is still the player who Louis van Gaal thinks can transform Manchester United into genuine Barclays Premier League contenders.
Chelsea beat United to sign Pedro from Barcelona this week but Old Trafford executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward remains confident of landing a big player this summer.
He believes that United can attract a more high-profile name after their 3-1 victory over Bruges all but assured them of a place in the Champions League group stages.
Van Gaal has told friends in the past week he thinks Bale can be persuaded to leave Real Madrid at some stage. When, during United’s pre-season tour, he spoke of the creative player he needs, it is understood he had Bale (right) in mind.
The chances of Woodward pulling off that deal soon are slight, especially as relations with Real Madrid are not great while the Spaniards try to prise David de Gea away from Old Trafford.
United retain a strong interest in Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller and hope to sign Southampton striker Sadio Mane, although his manager Ronald Koeman insisted last night: ‘We will always have rumours, but nobody is for sale.’
United are also eyeing Real Madrid’s Spanish prospect Borja Mayoral, 18, who could be key as Real look to complete a deal for De Gea. They may be more likely to listen to offers for their keeper if Mayoral, top scorer in the European Under 19 Championship with three goals, were part of a deal. – Daily Mail