Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Potential Gareth Bale Rumours

Manchester United have played down reports David De Gea could be included in any swap deal for Real Madrid star Gareth Bale, per Richard Tanner of the Daily Express.

Bale, who only joined Real Madrid in 2013 from Tottenham Hotspur, was linked with a move to Old Trafford in December, per John Richardson of the Sunday Express.

At the time, United manager Louis van Gaal, per the Daily Telegraph, refused to be drawn on rumours he wants Bale.

“I cannot discuss that (Bale) with you,” said Van Gaal. “I only discuss with my CEO, not the media.”

Bale subsequently told Dubai TV (h/t The Independent) during Real’s midseason break that he was “very happy” in Madrid. Recent jeers from Real fans are reported not to have altered that view:

And Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague, per Sky Sports, wrote that Real have no intention of selling the Wales international: “Real Madrid insist he is not for sale. The player and his entourage insist he is happy and he only really just arrived at Madrid. He has to improve, the defensive work has to be more efficient, but having to improve doesn’t mean leaving a club.”

But the rumours of a move to United aren’t going away. Steve Bates of the Sunday People reported that United were plotting a move to sign Bale, which would involve using goalkeeper De Gea in the exchange.

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United are interested in Bale, per Tanner, but they aren’t looking to let De Gea go as part of a swap. Instead, United have placed a £50 million price tag on De Gea.

The former Atletico Madrid keeper is only under contract at United until the end of next season, but per Tanner, he will be offered a new five-year deal worth £200,000 a week.

United fans certainly don’t want De Gea to be used as part of a swap deal, per a Facebook poll by the Manchester United Supporters' Trust (via Bruce Archer of the Daily Star). In the poll of fans, 99 percent said they wanted De Gea to stay, rather than leave and see Bale arrive at the club.

You can certainly understand why the supporters don’t want De Gea to go. He has arguably been United’s best player this season.

At the same time, United cannot afford to let De Gea enter the final 12 months of his contract and risk him leaving the club for nothing.

If the chance to sign Bale arises, you wouldn’t blame United for taking it. Bale would add much needed pace to a United side which has been a bit too ponderous on many occasions this season.