Manchester United Transfer News: Gareth Bale Wants Move, Latest on David De Gea

Gareth Bale "wants out" of Real Madrid and is hoping to return to the Premier League, according to Duncan Castles of the Sunday Times. Castles believes the Welshman "is pushing" to exit the Bernabeu in a report which will no doubt capture the interest of Manchester United and England's elite.

The aforementioned article suggests United are leading the way for his signature, while Chelsea and Manchester City are "aware" of the player's situation. Castles believes United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward would have "no qualms" about spending a new club record fee on the player.

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Madrid President Florentino Perez would be looking for a profit on Bale, claims Castles, meaning United would have to spend in excess of £85 million.

Bale is now guaranteed a trophyless season in Spain after Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid to confirm the domestic title on Sunday. He has scored 13 and assisted nine in 31 matches this campaign, per WhoScored.com, dwindling numbers compared to last year. 

The player's agent has also suggested he is "p----d off" in Madrid due to his team-mates failing to pass him the ball, reported by John Percy of the Telegraph. However, John Cross of the Mirror believes Bale wants to move from his role on the wing and into a central striker's position. This is something United can facilitate.

De Gea to Make Madrid Decision, Says Van Gaal

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Less positively for the club, Van Gaal has suggested he can do nothing more to stop David De Gea moving in the opposite direction. Instead, he suggests the Spanish goalkeeper has a major decision to make.

De Gea is being linked with a move to Madrid, as reported by Chris Wheeler of the MailOnline. Although Van Gaal admits offering the player a mega-contract to remain in England, he suggests the 24-year-old may find it too difficult to escape the lure of the Spanish capital, and indeed, his family. Van Gaal's comments were reported by Wheeler:

"

I analyse his position and then I say he is Spanish, he is Spanish international, still behind (Iker) Casillas, now a Spanish club is coming, his girlfriend is Spanish, his father and mother come here every week or every two weeks so it is difficult. 

He shall not leave us so easily because we have a great club. But he can go to another great club and that is for him to decide. We have given a fantastic contract because we want him to stay. I think he has had a fantastic season.

"

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Such comments may force United fans to resign themselves to De Gea leaving. He's been a match-winner all season and once again showed why he's held in such regard during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Arsenal. De Gea made a clever save from Olivier Giroud in the second half, before being substituted with a hamstring injury.

Perhaps symbolically, substitute goalkeeper Victor Valdes conceded shortly after replacing his countryman.

De Gea was the only United player to make it into this year's PFA Team of the Year, a success which summarises both his individual qualities and the team's defensive struggles.

Nick Sutton of BBC Radio 4 summed up the English media's thoughts on the situation:

B/R UK's Thom Gibbs recently looked at big-name signings who could soften the blow of losing the player:

Van Gaal has laid the situation out for United fans. This will cover him from being blamed if De Gea departs, while also giving supporters time to deal with the thought of having a new No. 1 next season. The manager previously admitted the club already have a "list of goalkeepers who can replace him," per BBC Sport, so preparation is well underway to find a new stalwart.

Paul Hetherington of the Sun believes De Gea is due to "hold a family summit" before deciding his future. He suggests the player's "tight-knit" family will help make him come to an important career decision. De Gea is heading toward his peak years, so the next move—or lack thereof—could define his lasting reputation.

United will be looking to progress from this season's likely fourth-placed finish, so they will need to spend avidly no matter. De Gea's departure would be a huge blow, but if Van Gaal can purchase world-class defenders and a more potent attack, his lack of presence would be made up elsewhere.