Manchester United Transfer News: World Record Gareth Bale Bid Reported

Manchester United have reportedly rekindled their interest in Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale in spectacular fashion, with a world record offer of £99.5 million for the Welshman.

That’s according to Spanish outlet COPE (h/t Metro) which claimed that while Los Blancos have rejected the bid, Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal apparently remains “keen” on bringing the former Tottenham Hotspur star back to the Premier League this summer.

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As noted by Metro, there were strong links between Bale and United earlier in the year, but talk of any potential move seems to have fizzled out as the summer window has rumbled on. Indeed, as noted here by Bleacher Report’s Andy Brassell, the Red Devils have been closely linked with some other intriguing options:

Bale would be a fantasy capture, though. He’s not only showcased his immense quality in the Spanish top flight, but he’s a proven big-game player and someone well acquainted with the unique demands that the Premier League places on players.

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The former Spurs man was also subject to some harsh criticism from Madridistas toward the back end of last season, as he endured a tough finish to the campaign. Nonetheless, for the national side his form has been sparkling as of late, as we can see here courtesy of WhoScored.com:

Given the stick he has received from his own fans, perhaps he’ll fancy a move back to the Premier League? After all, if Bale was to join United, he would become a vital component in this Red Devils squad and surely recapture the form which prompted Real to shell out such a substantial amount on him in the first place.

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However, the manner in which this offer seems to have come out of nowhere has prompted some to cast aspersions on its validity, as Sport Witness have done here:

Even if this bid was lodged, the fact Madrid have rejected the offer illustrates just how intent they are on keeping the Welshman around. After all, according to Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph earlier in the year, new Real boss Rafael Benitez wants to make Bale the key figure at the Santiago Bernabeu this season, not Cristiano Ronaldo.

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If that is indeed the case, it’ll be an intriguing dynamic in the Spanish capital next season, and if Bale is to be given a more central role, United’s chances of signing him seem to be dead in the water.

After all, it’s rare Real are bullied into selling one of their very best players, and despite a turbulent 2014-15, Bale remains in that illustrious category. Expect the Welshman to return for pre-season replenished and ready to light up La Liga again this season, with the United faithful only able to look on enviously.