Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Gareth Bale and Nathaniel Clyne Rumours

Manchester United have reportedly set aside a staggering £120 million as they look to lure Gareth Bale back to the Premier League at the end of the current campaign.

The Real Madrid man has been linked with a move to Old Trafford in perpetuity, but according to Ben Jefferson of the Daily Express, the Red Devils have stepped up their interest by boxing off the requisite funds to sign the Welshman. Jefferson also notes that Los Blancos are only willing to do business if United let them have David De Gea as part of the deal. 

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Here’s a look at why Bale could become the most expensive player in world football for the second time in the game’s history:

It’s wholly apparent that the Red Devils are going to have money to burn this summer. According to Mike Keegan of the Daily Mail, the club’s new kit deal with Adidas means Louis van Gaal will have the requisite funds to pursue any player on the planet, meaning that a figure of £120 million is not out of United’s price bracket.

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Losing De Gea as part of the deal would be a major blow to United, but if the club go into next season and the Spaniard remains reluctant to sign a new deal, they could be forced to cash in. With that being said, a transfer involving the goalkeeper plus cash would surely see the Red Devils come off worse, such is De Gea's obvious talent.

Bale seems pretty happy in Madrid, anyway, as was evident when he scored a last-minute winner for Los Blancos in their recent match against Cordoba, per The Madridistas:

If there’s a bottomless pit of funds, United will be hopeful of keeping De Gea and bringing in Bale. However, a rapacious summer splurge won't necessarily expedite a United renaissance, and Van Gaal may have to address areas of his squad that are in much more pertinent need of patching up before adding to his offensive arsenal.

Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe recently took a look at some players who could potentially come in midseason and help United out:

One man who would certainly fill a void in this current squad is Southampton’s Nathaniel Clyne. The player has revealed he remains in constant contact with his current club about a contract extension despite perennial reported interest from United, per Simon Peach of the Press Association via the Daily Mail.

“My contract, we're still negotiating,” said the England international. “I'm negotiating with my agent and also with the club so, yeah, we'll wait until April.”

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While the quotes are coy, Clyne’s comments are at odds with various reports. Indeed, according to Paul Hetherington of the Daily Star, the Red Devils are closing in on a £20 million deal to bring the 23-year-old to Old Trafford.

Looking at the diligent displays he has put in up and down the right flank this season, it would be money well spent by United.

Not only is Clyne an effervescent threat going forward, but as WhoScored.com noted earlier this season, his attacking prowess doesn’t mean he compromises when it comes to his defensive duties:

Clyne would be an ideal player for Van Gaal’s squad. Already this season, the young defender has shown he’s capable of doing a job as a right-back and right wing-back under the tutelage of Ronald Koeman, and that versatility is something that will have been undeniably appealing to the United boss.

However, at this juncture, Southampton looks like a fine club for Clyne to continue his development. The right-back has been a vital component in their magnificent defensive exploits this season, and they look beset on qualifying for the Champions League. If they do so at United’s expense, in the short-term, Clyne might just stick around on the South coast.