Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest on Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, More

The international break always makes for the perfect opportunity for agents to reveal some juicy transfer details and the rumour mill to work its magic, and things aren't any different for Real Madrid.

The 2014-15 season has been smooth sailing so far for Los Blancos, and with Florentino Perez at the helm, fans know the next big star could join the club at any given time.

The January transfer window shouldn't see too much turnover after a busy summer in the Spanish capital, but that isn't slowing down speculation one bit. Here's the latest transfer news and rumours surrounding Los Blancos.

Manchester United Offered More Money Before Gareth Bale Chose Real

Paul White/Associated Press

Gareth Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett revealed in an interview with AS' Marco Ruiz that Manchester United offered his client more money to come to Old Trafford, but that it was his dream to move to the Bernabeu instead:

"

It was one of the greatest, if not the largest. And to complete it was a great honor for me because I met Gareth when he was very young and I was able to help make his dream come true ... He always wanted to play for Madrid. He could have gone to United and other clubs, but he wanted Madrid.

-Did they offer more money?

-Not much more, but more.

"

He also claims Barcelona showed interest in the Wales international, but Bale made it clear he didn't want to go there.

The winger was one of the most sought-after transfer targets of the past decade when he made the move to Madrid in the summer of 2013, immediately helping the club to their 10th European title in his first season.

The Red Devils are rumoured to be looking into his signature once again in 2015, and the Daily Express' Ben Jefferson believes Louis van Gaal is willing to smash the current transfer record by making a £90 million offer.

Bale has been hampered by injuries so far in the 2014-15 season, but as shared by OptaJoe, he's impressed greatly in limited minutes:

It seems very unlikely Real would even entertain the idea of selling the 25-year-old, who is already one of the very best in the world and still has plenty of room for growth.

If Bale was so desperate to move to Madrid he passed up more money to join United in 2013, there's no reason he wouldn't do so again two years later.

Karim Benzema Unsure About Real Future?

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

Forward Karim Benzema is in the form of his life, but the Daily Star's Jonathan Green claims the France international fears the club may not see him as their long-term option.

Citing French sources, Green believes the 26-year-old is unhappy with Perez's open courtship of Luis Suarez before the latter joined Barcelona, and he thinks he may be replaced by another star striker during the January window.

The rumour is a little hard to believe, to put it mildly. Benzema is enjoying arguably the finest season of his career, having already scored an incredible 15 goals this season, per WhoScored.com.

The Frenchman is tailor-made for Real's system that relies on advancing wingers, as his greatest strength lies in his ability to hold up the ball and find passing lanes to service teammates.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti remains a big fan, as he said after the match against Liverpool, via the club's official website:

"Benzema is enjoying a good run of form, I don't know if it is the best of his career, but it is his best form since I have been here. I really like how he works for the team, he is a really important player for us."

There's absolutely no reason to believe Benzema would be unhappy in Madrid at this particular time, and the notion Perez would replace his most in-form striker is absurd. As far as transfer rumours go, this one borders on ridiculous.

David de Gea Yet to Sign New United Deal

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

Manchester United are reportedly growing increasingly concerned over David de Gea's reluctance to sign a new deal with the club amid reported interest from Los Blancos, according to the Daily Express' Jamie Anderson.

The Spain international is being heavily linked with a move back to Madrid despite the presence of Iker Casillas and Keylor Navas, and with his contract set to run out in 2016, the Red Devils are desperate to lock him up to a new deal.

A lack of Champions League football, continued struggles under Van Gaal and the opportunity to move closer to home are all factors in Madrid's favour, although the 24-year-old is yet to speak out about possibly desiring a transfer.

While that would indicate a desire to remain in England, the fact he still hasn't signed a new contract is cause for concern for the Red Devils. As long as De Gea doesn't put pen to paper, Real will remain an option, and an attractive one at that.

Taking over for longtime starter Casillas when he hangs up his boots must be an appealing prospect for any Spanish stopper, and Los Blancos' status as Champions League holders can't hurt, either.

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