Manchester United Transfer News: Late Gareth Bale Bid Reported, Fresh Rumours

Manchester United have not yet given up on landing Real Madrid star Gareth Bale and have reportedly made a late, big-money offer for the Welshman.

That's according to beIN Sports' Tancredi Palmeri (h/t Marc Williams of the Daily Star), who believes the Red Devils have offered £72.5 million:

United have scored just three goals in the Premier League this season despite facing the relatively porous likes of Aston Villa and Newcastle United.

As the Telegraph's Liam notes, Wayne Rooney in particular has struggled, which is even more of a concern for United given their real lack of depth up front:

Bale could certainly give their front line a much-needed boost, as evidenced by his tally of 17 goals and 12 assists despite struggling for form at times last season. The 26-year-old has already started this season strongly, scoring twice and assisting another in his last match.

However, Real are unlikely to sell Bale this late in the transfer window. Furthermore, Los Blancos may be reluctant to sell him for less than they paid Tottenham Hotspur, particularly with United so desperate for another signing.

Most importantly, Bale himself appears content to stay in the Spanish capital despite failing to win over the entirety of the Madrid support. Per Patric Ridge of Goal.com, he said: 

"

The supporters treat me well and playing for Real Madrid is a dream come true for me. I give my all for this shirt and these fans and I love Madrid. For me, the greatest moments were winning the Champions League and the Copa del Rey and I'm certain we'll win more titles in the future—that's why we're all here.

"

As time runs out, United will need to look to more realistic targets, but it seems the Red Devils are yet to entertain that idea as they are also reportedly pursuing Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller.

Per Fichajes.net, via Metro's George Bellshaw, United "are willing to make one more move worth around £65.4 million" for the German international.

Muller is a phenomenal player who could dramatically improve United's forward play, and his ability to make incisive contributions is astonishing. The 25-year-old has racked up 125 goals and 105 assists in 308 appearances for Bayern's senior side and already has five from three Bundesliga games this year.

Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

However, they will likely encounter similar problems to their pursuit of Bale.

So late in the window, any club will be unwilling to part with a key player, so between that and United's desperation to land someone, if a deal were to be done it would take an astounding amount of money.

Expect the Red Devils to be linked with a huge number of forwards before the end of the deadline.

They may well acquire one, and while the price tag may hint at a marquee name, it's unlikely to be the superstar United fans are hoping for.