Manchester United Transfer News: Gareth Bale Plan Drawn Up Despite Obstacles

Manchester United will use Ryan Giggs to try and persuade fellow Welshman Gareth Bale to join the Premier League club during the summer, according to reports.

Bale's recent fitness problems, combined with an excellent run of performances from Isco, have led many to question whether he is needed at Real Madrid. Carlo Ancelotti's side has found a fantastic balance without the former Tottenham star and appears less vulnerable on the counter with Isco working in midfield.

Ben Jefferson of the Daily Express suggests Giggs will be at the forefront of an alleged £90 million bid from the English club.

"United hope that Giggs—who played with the winger for Wales—can persuade Bale his future lies in Manchester," writes Jefferson. "However, reports yesterday suggested Giggs might have a battle on his hands with Bale thought to be determined to stay and prove his worth at Real."

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Alex Harris of the Daily Star provides one such report, which states Bale "is not interested" and has "no intention" of heading to Manchester. It certainly seems odd that Los Blancos would even consider selling after splashing out £85 million on the player in 2013.

Ancelotti recently suggested having stars fighting for places is positive for Madrid, whose strength in depth makes them far less predictable this season.

"Everyone thinks it is a problem, but I think he will help us improve," said the boss, according to Madrid's official website. "I'm very happy with how the side is playing, but we have to continue to play well and always try to add more to our game."

Bale's full range of skills can be seen below:

Van Gaal spent lavishly on attacking reinforcements over the summer—with the likes of Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao joining the club—meaning it would be a bold move to try and sign Bale. United aren't struggling for goals and are sixth in scoring in the league, but the Red Devils' defence continues to inflict suffering on the side.

This was apparent during the recent 1-0 loss to Manchester City, which saw Chris Smalling sent off for two irresponsible bookings before the end of the first half. Marcos Rojo also exited with a dislocated shoulder, per Alex Richards of the Daily Mirror, leaving United short on defensive options, according to a tweet by Sky Sports:

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It is undoubtedly time the back four received the kind of strengthening we have seen in the forward half of the pitch. United currently have the third-worst defensive record inside the Premier League's top 14, per WhoScored.com. Milton Keynes Dons, Leicester and West Brom have all breached United's rear guard with alarming ease in a frustrating season for the club.

Bale wouldn't halt these problems. Madrid have tightened up considerably since his absence, conceding one in four La Liga games since he began his stint on the sidelines. Added solidarity has allowed a greater focus on scoring goals and indeed ascension to the top of the Spanish division.

While Bale is undoubtedly a world-class player—someone United fans would swoon over if a transfer became possible—he doesn't address the needs of the squad. The club's intentions are to return to the Champions League, which would bring them back in line with UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules. Dropping £90 million on Bale, plus vital defenders, would be a risky way of doing business.

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The player himself is unlikely to want to switch a trophy-laden run at the Bernabeu for the present struggle at Old Trafford.

Bale is proven in the Premier League and can up the attacking force of any side in the world, but he would be one luxurious signing too far for Van Gaal, who should have other priorities.