Manchester United Transfer News: Gareth Bale Rumours Sparked by Neymar Snub

Manchester United could move their focus on to pursuing Real Madrid's Gareth Bale having been dealt a big blow by Barcelona target Neymar.

The Brazil captain is reportedly not going anywhere despite the mooted arrival at the Camp Nou of Ezequiel Lavezzi, which could leave Bale as United's key remaining superstar target, per Ed Malyon in the Mirror.

The Red Devils have been linked with the Welshman since before he even moved from Tottenham Hotspur to Real in 2013 for a world record £86 million fee, per John Percy in the Telegraph.

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He would unquestionably be a brilliant addition to Louis van Gaal's squad, and given his previous experience of the Premier League, he would be unlikely to flop a la Angel di Maria.

Bale is the kind of world-class player who could add the extra bit of quality United need to return them to their former status as perennial contenders for the Premier League and Champions League.

According to Malyon, Bale's star is falling in Madrid, particularly among the press, and he may well be open to a move away from the Bernabeu.

Bale has consistently played in the shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo at Madrid and he has felt the wrath of the fans at times, per Steve Bates in the Sunday People.

At Old Trafford, Bale would unquestionably be the No. 1 star. Unlike the soon-to-be-30-year-old Wayne Rooney, Bale, 26, is in the prime of his career.

He would move to Old Trafford as an established talent—unlike the under-performing Memphis Depay—and his arrival would likely draw much fanfare from the Old Trafford faithful.

His inclusion in the recent 23-man shortlist for the FIFA Ballon d'Or is a testament to his continued quality despite media and fan criticism, per BBC Sport's Francis Keogh:

Bale's contract in Madrid runs until 2019, meaning United would likely have to shell out at least the £86 million Real paid for him if they want to sign him up.

However, considering how much of an asset he could be at United over the next five or six years—and how much merchandising revenue he would bring in—he could well be worth the money.

In their pomp under Sir Alex Ferguson, United always had a number of superstars in their squads—see the likes of Eric Cantona, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ronaldo.

They are arguably lacking that kind of player at the moment, and with Neymar seemingly not an option, Bale could be the man for Van Gaal.