Manchester United will attempt to break the world transfer record by making a renewed bid for Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale, according to reports.
United have seen a flurry of transfer activity this summer, with midfielders Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger, full-back Matteo Darmian, and forward Memphis Depay arriving.
Meanwhile, striker Robin van Persie and winger Nani have left for Turkish club Fenerbahce, with more exits expected to be completed over the coming weeks.
And among all the activity, the Sunday People have reported that United will try to take Bale back to the Premier League, aware that only a new transfer record will persuade Madrid to sell.
Bale joined the Spanish giants in 2013 for a record £85m (Dh487m) and enjoyed a successful breakthrough season, scoring the winner in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, and in the Uefa Champions League final as Madrid claimed La Decima.
However, Bale’s second season was more troubled, with Madrid fans targeting the Welshman over a loss of form as the team struggled to keep pace with Barcelona.
Despite his second year struggles, Bale remains a highly-valued part of the Madrid set-up, and the club do not want to entertain bids for the forward. However, United are reportedly prepared to test Madrid’s resolve by tabling a world record fee in the region of £95m.
United manager Louis van Gaal recently hinted at a “surprise signing”, leading to speculation over a new bid for Bale.
Asked whether he was concerned over his lack of strikers following the departures of van Persie and Radamel Falcao, van Gaal said: “We have Rooney, he can play in strikers’ position, and all media had written he should play there so I listen and now you put this question so don’t know what you want.
“Also Chicharito and maybe Wilson and maybe there comes a surprise.”
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @NatSportUAE
