Manchester United Transfer News: Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale Enquiries Made

Manchester United have "requested contractual details" of Real Madrid players including Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Raphael Varane, according to Tomas Roncero of AS.

Roncero believes Los Blancos have responded with a "resounding negative on all four cases." United boss Louis van Gaal is looking to heavily strengthen ahead of the new season, with building on last year's fourth-place finish a priority for the Dutch manager.

Spanish publication Don Balon (h/t Ed Malyon of the Mirror) previously reported Real's sacking of Carlo Ancelotti and hiring of boss Rafa Benitez has made Ronaldo "unhappy."

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He is often linked with a return to Old Trafford—where his quality has never come close to being replaced—having previously "informed Manchester United he would like to return to the club one day, probably to end his career," reported by Daniel Taylor of the Guardian in 2013.

United missed out on Bale when he made the transition to Spain from Tottenham Hotspur, despite offering more than his world-record sum of £85 million. Bale had a tremendous opening season with the club—in which he scored vital goals during the Copa del Rey and Champions League finals—but his influence has stuttered in recent times.

A combination of niggling fitness problems and poor form has seen Bale lose his sharpness. His performances have been jeered by Madrid fans, his vehicle has been attacked, but Benitez's arrival could spark him into life.

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Indeed, the Mirror's John Cross believes Benitez has promised Madrid president Florentino Perez—a known admirer of the Welshman—that he'll build his side around the former Spurs man.

B/R UK's Thom Gibbs recently looked at whether Ronaldo or Bale would be the better acquisition for Van Gaal:

Bale's push toward a central role would likely alienate Benzema, especially if Benitez plans to use Ronaldo in a lone striker's role, reported by AS (h/t Adam Shergold of the Daily Mail).

United and Arsenal continue to be linked with the Frenchman's services, but Benzema's agent has played down reports of a potential switch. Karim Djaziri's quotes were reported by Marca (h/t Simon Rice of the Independent):

"

I haven't met with any club in London. Not with United and not with anyone else. We haven't held talks with anyone other than Real Madrid.

What is Karim going to do in Manchester? He's happy in Madrid. He doesn't want to leave. Benzema would only leave if Real Madrid told him he was surplus to requirements, because he isn't going to leave of his own accord. Karim wants to see out his contract. He wants to retire at Real Madrid.

"

B/R UK's Jonathan Johnson recently weighed up which club are more likely to sign Benzema:

Roncero believes Varane's "obsession is to always be in the starting line-up," something he hasn't managed on a consistent basis at the Bernabeu. The 22-year-old centre-back started 33 matches across La Liga and the Champions League during 2014-15, per WhoScored.com, but this was largely due to injuries to Sergio Ramos and Pepe.

He is unlikely to permanently knock either out of the side soon. Van Gaal desperately needs defensive reinforcements during the summer after watching his team constantly leak goals and make irritating errors throughout his debut season in charge.

The improving Chris Smalling, who received the captain's armband during the recent draw with Arsenal, needs a partner to help him progress even further. Phil Jones is yet to develop into the player he once promised to be, so the addition of Varane could make a huge difference for United. He is tall, quick, an excellent reader of the game and offers quality on the ball.

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Roncero's report suggests Van Gaal is looking to land at least one major name this summer. He lured Angel Di Maria from the Spanish capital last year, a player who is yet to deliver in England.

The manager has €200 million (approx £145 million) to spend, according to Roncero, so could seriously test Madrid's resolve to keep any of the aforementioned stars.

All would rank as terrific signings for United, and indeed, an indicator of the club's seriousness at getting back on top.