Manchester United Transfer News: Gareth Bale Trump Card Emerges, Fresh Rumours

Nick AkermanMay 20, 2015

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs may be key to luring fellow Welshman Gareth Bale away from Real Madrid, according to The Sun (h/t Alex Harris of the Daily Star).

Giggs, now an assistant manager under Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford, "could convince" Bale to make the move, per the report: "Giggs' role as United No.2 is likely to sway Bale's decision over his future."

CARDIFF, WALES - MARCH 25: Gareth Bale looks on as he sits out with an injury with Ryan Giggs during the Wales training session ahead of their UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier against England on March 25, 2011 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Im

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It is suggested Bale "idolised" his countryman when growing up and that they are now "close friends."

United recently capitalised on the power of personal relationships when signing PSV Eindhoven winger Memphis Depay. Van Gaal provided the youngster with a chance to shine at the 2014 World Cup during his second stint as Netherlands boss, something which was reciprocated with two goals.

"I work with him very well in training, he wants to bring the best out of you and I feel very comfortable to have such a relationship with him," noted Depay after signing for the club, as reported by Oliver Todd of the MailOnline.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 16: Following the final whistle fellow Welshmen Gareth Bale (L) of Spurs and Ryan Giggs (R) of Manchester United shake hands during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at White Hart

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United fans will hope Giggs' influence will also pay dividends for the transitioning team; however, Sky Sports pundit Guillem Balague believes Bale "is going to be at Real Madrid next season."

Even so, James Robson of the Manchester Evening News suggests the former Tottenham Hotspur man remains one of Van Gaal's "top targets," alongside Borussia Dortmund centre-back Mats Hummels.

The boss may soon have to find a replacement for goalkeeper David De Gea, who is interested in accepting a potential pay cut to join Real Madrid, per Jeremy Cross of the Daily Star. According to the Daily Mirror (h/t Robson), this could lead Van Gaal into signing Ajax stopper Jasper Cillessen, who also starred for him at last year's World Cup.

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - MARCH 19: Goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen of Ajax celebrates after teammate Riechedly Bazoer of Ajax scores a goal to level the scores at 1-1 on aggregate during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16, second leg match between AFC Ajax v

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However, Ajax sporting director Marc Overmars told Dutch outlet De Telegraaf (h/t Richard Jolly of ESPN FC): "Jasper is not for sale, not even for €25 million."

Former United midfielder Paul Scholes believes Van Gaal needs to confirm a further quintet of signings across the board, as reported by Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star: "A centre-half, a right-back, possibly another goalkeeper, a top class centre-forward and possibly even a wide player—so that's five players."

B/R UK's Thom Gibbs recently passed judgement over those linked:

Van Gaal will be looking to push champions Chelsea all the way during his second season in charge. A capture of Bale's stature would underline that United mean business and are willing to spend avidly to return to the Premier League's summit.

United fans may hope Giggs can influence the situation and help secure a match-winner who, with his explosive running skills and goalscoring quality, is built in the same vein.