Manchester United Transfer News: Gareth Bale and Ilkay Gundogan Bids Rumoured

Fresh rumours on Monday have linked Gareth Bale and Ilkay Gundogan with sensational summer moves to Manchester United.

David Wright of the Express cites German newspaper Bild, which claims Louis van Gaal is preparing to bring the Real Madrid superstar to Old Trafford, along with Borussia Dortmund's World Cup winner Mats Hummels.

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And Jamie Sanderson of the Metro reports United have allegedly made an £18.4 million move for midfielder Gundogan, according to website Fichajes.net. Sanderson says the German international is "considering" the offer after turning down a new deal at BVB.

But Bild (h/t Kristian Sturt) is currently reporting that Gundogan will renegotiate with Jurgen Klopp and potentially stay with the fallen Bundesliga giants:

Bale has received criticism from some quarters for his La Liga performances this term, but the player was adamant he will be staying in the Spanish capital when asked during the Christmas period.

The Welshman spoke positively about remaining a Galactico to Dubai TV, according to The Press Association via The Guardian, and said he intended to honour his contract, therefore rejecting the Red Devils:

"

Go to Manchester United? I am very happy in Madrid, a city, a climate and a club that I love. My contract ends in 2019 and I could sign a renewal. I am very happy at Madrid and I hope to win many more titles in the future.

It has been a fantastic year for me. I wanted to come to Real Madrid to win titles and work alongside the best players and that is exactly what I have done in a single year. I hope that we keep improving, winning more titles and that I can keep giving my all.

"

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Bale's move to United looks a non-starter on the surface, with Madrid unlikely to want to lose a player who potentially could become the best in the world.

The winger's record has remained excellent for Los Blancos this year, scoring 10 times and providing five assists in his 21 La Liga appearances, per WhoScored.com.

Gundogan has repeatedly been linked with a move to England throughout his career, according to Anthony Chapman of the Express, with German sources reporting Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool's interest before the January transfer window.

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The 24-year-old has recently returned from serious injury and has only started 11 times in the Bundesliga this year, per Whoscored, making his acquisition somewhat of a risk.

Before his injury, Gundogan looked like he would become one of the world's premier midfielders. But with BVB now in free fall, he has struggled to adapt and find his best form.

However, at United he could thrive as Van Gaal looks for a technical box-to-box central entity to carry out his instructions.

Ander Herrera was purchased for this role, but the Spanish player does not seem to have the coach's full backing, starting many league games on the bench.

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Bale would be a dream signing for United, but he is not the specific player that the club desperately needs at present.

United will need to address the striker position if Radamel Falcao exits after his loan, and Bale does not fit the profile in this case.

However, if he became available, United would be foolish to let him join a rival club. The Red Devils are one of the few teams in the world who could afford the Welsh international, and he would bring an element of pace and class to LvG's forward line.