Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Gareth Bale and Roberto Firmino Rumours

Manchester United are "prepared to pay a world record fee" for Real Madrid's Gareth Bale, according to Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News. 

Bale set Los Blancos back £85 million in 2013, but Luckhurst suggests United are willing to blitz this to finally acquire his services. Ian Herbert and Pete Jenson of the Independent report that "United are as eager to sign Gareth Bale as they were in the summer before David Moyes's first season, two years ago."

The club offered Tottenham Hotspur more money than they finally accepted from Madrid for the Welshman's services in 2013. Herbert and Jenson suggest United have the financial backing to secure his future, but that only a "remote" chance remains of the player being part of an agreement that sees goalkeeper David De Gea move to the Bernabeu.

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John Cross of the Mirror believes new Madrid boss Rafa Benitez has "promised" to make Bale central to his plans for next season, though, suggesting he isn't going anywhere. Madrid President Florentino Perez is a known supporter of the player.

Former Manchester Evening News editor Peter Spencer believes the player would make a real difference to United or Manchester City:

B/R UK's Andy Brassell recently ran through the players United boss Louis van Gaal could dispose of to fit such a signing in:

Firmino Deal Agreed?

ESPN Brazil journalist Jose Elias has also tweeted that the Red Devils are on the verge of signing versatile Hoffenheim star Roberto Firmino, as translated by Sport Witness.

However, neither Sport Witness nor Mirror writer Jack Lang can spot further coverage of the potential transfer in South America:

Luckhurst passes along reports the deal has been agreed for £13 million, but United fans will understandably be wary before celebrating over the player's arrival. Firmino enjoyed an excellent 2014-15 season with Hoffenheim, scoring seven goals and providing 10 assists, per WhoScored.com.

He recently scored the winner for Brazil over Honduras and is set to star at the ongoing Copa America. Elias (h/t Sport Witness) suggests he will complete a medical while on international duty before committing to United.

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While it makes sense for a deal to be wrapped up quickly—Firmino's value is set to rise in the next month—Hoffenheim are likely to know a good tournament from their player will see demand for his signature rise. United captured Javier Hernandez before the 2010 World Cup, avoiding the same problem.

Firmino would be an excellent signing for the club. He can play across the breadth of midfield and along the front line. The 23-year-old is a hard-worker, averaging 2.7 tackles and 1.1 interceptions alongside his creative streak during the recently completed campaign, per WhoScored. B/R UK's Sam Tighe believes his aforementioned price would be a steal, too:

Van Gaal has already captured PSV Eindhoven forward Memphis Depay, and Firmino would be an excellent second step.

United supporters will want to see additions across the entire squad during the summer. Additional quality is needed in the opposition's half, and new options are required in defence. Bale remains an unlikely capture, but Firmino could rank among the summer's best deals if his move goes ahead.