Manchester United Transfer Rumours: Missing on Gareth Bale Will Haunt Red Devils

It is beginning to look increasingly like Manchester United is in danger of whiffing on a top target once again. 

There was a flirtation with Thiago Alcantara that saw the midfielder eventually land with Bayern Munich. It's also found nothing but denials in its quest to land Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas. 

Now, Tottenham star and Manchester United target Gareth Bale is reportedly close to signing with Real Madrid. Sky Sports passed along a story from the Spanish sports daily Marca, which is noted to have "close allegiance" with the club, that "a six-year contract has been prepared for [Bale]."

However, Sky Sports noted that Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas reiterated his stance that the club is happy to have Bale, and they are "counting" on him. 

Later in the day, Daily Mail's Ian Ladyman speculated that Marca's report was "premature" and that it is the Red Devils who still hold the key to landing Bale. Ladyman's basis for this is largely due to the fact that Manchester United needs him more and consequently will be more likely to meet Tottenham's price. 

It's hard to argue with Ladyman. With Cristiano Ronaldo and also Angel di Maria on Real Madrid, Bale is a luxury. 

Ladyman notes that Manchester United owners the Glazers are antsy for a big signing, and as I noted above, the Red Devils are running into dead ends on that front. 

On top of that, new manager David Moyes has the pressure not to let the reigning EPL champs slip, and he is dealing with an increasingly anxious fanbase that has watched the Red Devils' rivals make improvements while the club has yet to make headlines. 

The Red Devils cannot let this opportunity pass. This would allow them to let the disgruntled Wayne Rooney move on and do so by bringing in a younger upgrade. 

There is no doubt that it will take more money to acquire Bale than they will get in the sale of Rooney, but this is a club prepared to spend money. This is the perfect opportunity for it to do so.