Manchester United Transfer News: Gareth Bale, Adnan Januzaj Swap Rumours Emerge

Manchester United are reportedly planning to use Adnan Januzaj in a part-exchange offer to secure Gareth Bale from Real Madrid.

This stunning rumour comes from Belgian journalist Kristof Terreur:

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Belgian media: "#MUFC will use Januzaj in a cash-plus-player swap with Bale according to English media." But no such rumour in English media

— Kristof Terreur (@HLNinEngeland) January 23, 2015"

United continue to be linked with a move for the Welshman, a player they tried to sign before he exited Tottenham in 2013. Bale offers the gut-busting pace, goalscoring prowess and natural injection of tempo that Louis van Gaal's men so desperately need.

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Despite world-class forward options in Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Radamel Falcao, James Wilson is currently the only United striker you'd expect to outpace a Premier League defence. As such, he has been sacrificed to the wing for much of his play this season, a position Bale could naturally fill.

Bale would also fit into Van Gaal's forced 3-5-2 plans, a formation the manager recently suggested he isn't willing to drop, reported by Chris Wheeler of the Daily Mail:

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The players are still not comfortable (with 3-5-2). It is very important that they are comfortable, and I would like them to feel more comfortable. But after I switched the system we have won nine or 10 in a row. Then we lose one match (against Southampton) and the discussion about the system is coming, so it is ridiculous.

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It has previously been suggested United could offer David De Gea in exchange for Bale, a potential deal fans indicated they wouldn't be content with. A survey taken by the Manchester United Supporters' Trust suggested 99 percent of the club's followers would rather keep their current No. 1 than bring Bale in, per Joe Short of the Express.

Such a triumphant result likely wouldn't arise if Januzaj's name was put to the test. The Belgian has stuttered under Van Gaal this season, failing to deliver on the early promise shown during his run in the side with David Moyes.

In fact, Januzaj has failed to deliver a goal or assist in 12 appearances across all competitions (registering only four starts), per WhoScored.com. A loan would be profitable at this point, but recent reports indicate Van Gaal won't let him leave during January, per David McDonnell of the Mirror.

United certainly need to secure greater quality in all positions, so they likely wouldn't let Januzaj exit unless a replacement was lined up. B/R UK's Sam Tighe recently discussed potential signings who could impact the Champions League-chasing club:

It seems unlikely Madrid would entertain the idea of swapping their Welsh wizard for an unproven youngster. Januzaj is talented and has the potential to be world-class with the ball at his feet, but so far he's been a victim of hype. Los Blancos would be far better suited to lining up Marco Reus or Raheem Sterling, two players who have proven their consistency at the top level.

Januzaj ultimately needs playing time to develop, but if this isn't to happen at United, Van Gaal would be wise to temporarily send him elsewhere.