Manchester United Transfer News: Adnan Januzaj Targeted Amid Gareth Bale Rumours

West Ham United want to take Manchester United starlet Adnan Januzaj on loan for the rest of the campaign, with the young Belgian said to be "willing to move" to find regular first-team football.

TalkSport report Hammers boss Slaven Bilic is looking at wide attacking options for his team, and is "hoping to persuade" the Red Devils No. 11 to move to east London for the season ahead. 

United are said to be still "interested" in the prospect of capturing Real Madrid's Gareth Bale, per Sky Sports' Bryan Swanson, with a potential £95 million world-record transfer being touted. Any such deal would see Januzaj fall down the Old Trafford pecking order. 

Jon Super/Associated Press

The Upton Park outfit will face stiff competition from Everton for Januzaj, with reports suggesting Roberto Martinez will soon make a move.

Phil Kirkbride of Liverpool Echo says the Toffees believe they can do business with United as they look to bring in three new players before the Sept. 1 transfer deadline. 

Januzaj could be more tempted to join the Merseyside team, with three current Belgium compatriots at the club—Romelu Lukaku, Kevin Mirallas and David Henen. The geographic proximity of Liverpool to Manchester might also become a huge factor, with coach Louis van Gaal unlikely to want the 20-year-old influenced by the bright lights of the capital. 

Jon Super/Associated Press

After a disappointing last year, where Januzaj failed to make a huge impact on LvG's selection, the attacker has started the new campaign positively—with a goal from two Premier League starts, per WhoScored.com.

Van Gaal has moved the talent inside to play as a false nine with Wayne Rooney, but the player's performance value has been erratic, similar to the whole United attack. 

However, Januzaj has spoken positively to MUTV about his start to the season, saying he feels stronger than ever before, per the club's official website:

"

I’m working hard on the pitch and off the pitch as well as in the gym to work on my body. I have always been more of a technical player, trying to find spaces to create something with the ball. But working hard in the gym gives you the plus of being stronger and more able to push people off the ball.

I have started to get back to my fitness but I still need more rhythm to become even better. The Villa goal was important to me. It was my first game of the season and I was happy to score. You’re always happy when you score a goal for such a big club. 

"

Tomas Ovalle/Associated Press

Januzaj has a preference for playing in a free role behind the striker, but his overall application doesn't yet suit Van Gaal's philosophy.

Dutch Football writer Elko Born commented on both Januzaj and Rooney's current imbalance at the point of the attack:

Bale started Madrid's first game of the La Liga season as the No. 10, with his world-class experience and qualities being preferential to the young Belgian's. 

The electric Welshman has a proven record at Los Blancos, scoring 28 goals and providing 21 assists in his two years in La Liga, per WhoScored.

Van Gaal needs this kind of return from his attackers if United are to have any chance of capturing a trophy this year, and it is unlikely Januzaj could presently post such figures. 

Jose Vicente/Associated Press

However, Januzaj certainly needs first-team experience this season as he looks to develop his game and physique.

He is a supremely talented kid with world-class potential, but a run in the United starting XI might be too much to ask for at present. 

The Red Devils are not scoring goals, and it is likely Januzaj will have to make way for a new striker if one is purchased before the closure of the transfer window—with Rooney guaranteed to take the No. 10 position.

West Ham and Everton would both be good fits for the winger. His attacking prowess would be beneficial to both clubs and he should get plenty of minutes under his belt.