Manchester United Transfer News: Fresh Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo Rumours

Gareth Bale faces a big decision regarding his Real Madrid future this summer as Premier League rivals Manchester City and Manchester United circle. The Welsh wing wizard could be ready to consider his options as he prepares to settle his child in school, per the Daily Mail's Pete Jenson:

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Bale's partner Emma Rhys-Jones lives with him in Madrid although, with a young daughter Alba-Violet not yet three years of age, frequent trips can be made back to Wales. At some point in the future a decision will have to be made about schools. And he will need to be a sure that Madrid is the right city to justify putting down deeper roots.

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Jenson also cites Bale's deteriorating relationship with talisman forward Cristiano Ronaldo as well as an increasingly fractious relationship with sections of Madrid's support.

Emilio Morenatti/Associated Press

His car was recently attacked following Los Blancos' 2-1 defeat to Barcelona in El Clasico. It was a game in which Bale failed to sparkle.

He managed just 13 touches after half-time, with none coming in the Barcelona box, according to The Telegraph.

In fairness, though, he wasn't alone in that regard, according to La Liga commentator Gerry Armstrong, who's come to Bale's defence in a column for the Daily Mail.

Armstrong, who works the games for Sky Sports, believes there's too much pressure on the former Tottenham star. He cited Bale's influence on Madrid's trophy wins last season as justification for more favourable support.

The Welshman scored an incredible solo effort to see off Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final. He also bagged a critical goal to help beat Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League final, a result that gave Los Merengues La Decima, a 10th European Cup win.

His first season yielded 22 goals and 16 assists in all competitions, per ESPN FC. The same site details Bale has scored 18 times already this season.

The resistance he's met in Spain could push Bale back to English shores. However, Armstrong believes that would be a mistake: "There is talk of him going to Manchester United, but it would be a huge mistake on Real’s part if they agreed to sell him."

Armstrong also believes Bale will still be a Madrid player next season. He feels all it will take is a few more goals to repair the apparent rift with Ronaldo and revive real's fortunes.

Perhaps United will "settle" for bringing Ronaldo back to Old Trafford. Jenson believes Los Blancos could part with Ronaldo for £65 million, while Bale would cost as much as £90 million, per the Daily Star's Colin Harvey.

Both City and United could afford either fee. There's also no doubt Bale or Ronaldo would provide a major boost to any team chasing the Premier League title.

It's a great choice to have for either club. In terms of United, though, B/R's Thom Gibbs believes Bale is a more "realistic" and "marketable" target, but a Ronaldo return to the Red Devils makes more sense on the pitch:

Of course, a lot will depend on how the rest of Madrid's season plays out. If the club finishes without silverware, big changes will be inevitable.

But even given Ronaldo's age (30), it's tough to pick a winner if the choice for a high-profile exit is between the prolific Portuguese powerhouse and Bale.