Manchester United Transfer News: World-Class Targets Named in Latest Rumours

Manchester United are reportedly closing in on huge money deals for Real Madrid star duo Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema.

According to John Richardson of the Express (via Lewis Rudd of Metro) a "close family member" of the Welshman has said that Bale is "keen on joining up with Louis van Gaal's side" in an £80 million deal.

Bale's future has been the subject of intense speculation in recent months as he has struggled for form, inviting widespread criticism from fans and pundits alike.

The 25-year-old's agent criticised his Real team-mates, arguing that they do not pass to him enough.

Per John Percy of the Telegraph, agent Jonathan Barnett said: "Real have to work with Gareth and pass the ball to him more. Give him more of the ball and let him show everybody what he’s good at. He’s going to be the best player at Real Madrid when his team-mates work with him and help him."

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Though Barnett added that Bale was determined to make things work at Madrid, the winger has been made something of a scapegoat for Los Blancos' failure to reach the Champions League final, and as Richardson noted, Bale's car was recently vandalised by his own supporters.

This could open the door to a move away from the pressure-cooker atmosphere of the Bernabeu.

Despite his sometimes underwhelming performances this season, Bale has still scored 17 goals and created a further 10 in all competitions, per WhoScored.com.

The Welshman's lightning-fast pace is just what United lack in forward positions and his injection into the side would enable the Red Devils to mount a serious title challenge next season.

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An £80 million move would be sensational, but as Rudd pointed out, United's £750 million sponsorship deal with Adidas has given them funds to spare.

These funds might also go toward a move for Benzema.

According to Fichajes.net (in Spanish), via Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star, Real are set to activate a £21.6 million repurchase clause for former academy player Alvaro Morata, who knocked Los Blancos out of the Champions League with Juventus.

This could pave the way for United to acquire Benzema's signature for around £40 million.

Benzema would be an excellent addition to the Red Devils' forward line.

Radamel Falcao's loan move simply hasn't paid off, while Robin van Persie will be 32 by the start of next season and is in clear decline.

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Benzema, on the other hand, is in his prime at 27 and has scored 22 goals in all competitions this season, as well as making 10 assists, according to WhoScored.

The France international's talents have not gone unnoticed by the Guardian's Sid Lowe:

Benzema's work rate and intelligent play would see him fit in perfectly at Old Trafford, and he would help bridge the gap between United's goal tally and their rivals Chelsea and Manchester City.

Of the two, Benzema seems a more likely deal than Bale's, and United would arguably benefit more by spending £40 million on the striker and another £40 million elsewhere in the team, rather than Bale for the lump sum of £80 million.

Either way, both players would serve as a powerful statement to United's title rivals next season and would help restore the Red Devils to the glory days once more.