Manchester United Transfer News: Gareth Bale Deal Urged, Mats Hummels Rumours

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes thinks Gareth Bale would be a "perfect" signing for the Red Devils.

Old Trafford is the "most obvious destination" for the Welshman if he leaves Real Madrid, according to John Brewin of ESPN FC. Bale's current form continues to be questioned in Spain—where his club's supporters recently jeered him—but Scholes believes United could offer the former Tottenham Hotspur man the opportunity to "be loved" again.

Scholes revealed his thoughts on the potential transfer in The Independent:

"

He would be loved at Old Trafford. In return I believe he could turn Louis van Gaal’s team into serious title contenders next season.

In my years at United I witnessed some signings who, over their careers, transformed the fortunes of the team. From Eric Cantona when I was an apprentice, to Dwight Yorke, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney. These were great footballers who became great United players. Bale has the potential to make as much of an impact as any of them.

"

Paul White/Associated Press

Scholes continued by saying that "all good players need to be appreciated." Despite scoring vital goals in last season's Copa del Rey and Champions League finals, a run of indifferent form has seemingly placed Bale under major pressure in the Spanish capital.

Three Real Madrid fans attacked his vehicle after the recent loss to Barcelona, per BBC Sport, a match in which his misfortune was highlighted by a disallowed goal. Previously, MailOnline tweeted stills from a video in which other Madrid fans were alleged to have hurl insults his way:

He was also labelled a "ball hog" earlier in the season after failing to set Cristiano Ronaldo up during January's win over Espanyol. All in all, things aren't progressing well for Bale despite the Welshman netting 12 goals and assisting five more in La Liga this season, per WhoScored.com.

The same can be said of Ronaldo, who is linked with an £80 million return to the club by Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb (h/t Anthony Chapman of the Express). B/R UK's Ryan Bailey and Thom Gibbs recently discussed who would be the better signing:

Bale could certainly offer United the world-class attacking force they so desperately need. He's at his best when he's allowed to roam—something we saw at Spurs but barely see at Madrid—so Louis van Gaal could provide him with greater freedom to express himself.

Hummels Remains a 'Prime Target'

Sami Mokbel of the MailOnline believes Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels could be Van Gaal's "prime target" in a flurry of transfers that may cost United "£100 million-plus." Mokbel notes that PSV Eindhoven's Memphis Depay and Juventus' Paul Pogba are also among the United manager's most wanted.

Frank Augstein/Associated Press

Hummels was previously reported to be "ready to cut ties" with Dortmund after their poor season in Germany, reported by John Edwards of the Daily Mail.  Peter O'Rourke of ESPN FC believes BVB are "preparing to listen to offers" for the World Cup winner, who would finally provide Van Gaal with the ball-playing centre-back he needs.

As tweeted by Bundesliga pundit Jan Aage Fjortoft, Bild stated that United can get their man for the right price:

Such deals may rest on Champions League qualification, however. United are five points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool ahead of difficult fixtures against Manchester City, Chelsea, Everton and Arsenal. Losing one of those games is fine, but a failure to win three of them would provide Liverpool with the initiative to take United's spot in the top four.

Bale and Hummels, or any of the players mentioned above, would represent excellent business. Van Gaal needs to ensure the side improves next season and will be hoping his next batch of signings can impress more readily than last summer's crop.