Gary Neville Comments on Manchester United, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United have reportedly been eyeing Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo in advance of next summer's transfer window, but former Red Devils defender Gary Neville thinks United should make a move for another Los Blancos forward.

According to the Daily Star's Paul Hetherington, Neville supports a prospective Gareth Bale signing in lieu of a potential Ronaldo return to Old Trafford.

"What he did before at United was, for two years, out of this world and it was a privilege to be part of it," Neville said of Ronaldo, per Hetherington. "But I would certainly prefer us to get Bale—and that’s no disrespect to Cristiano."

At this rate, it appears as though Neville may get his wish. 

According to the Mirror's Simon Mullock, Bale has emerged as United's "No. 1 transfer target." The expectation, per Mullock, is that the Red Devils will attempt to court the 26-year-old midfielder. 

Mullock noted that "there is also a growing belief inside Old Trafford that Cristiano Ronaldo could make a shock return to the club if his tense relationship with new Real coach Rafa Benitez doesn’t improve."

While Ronaldo is on the wrong side of 30, a return to United would represent a full-circle situation for the superstar striker. Ronaldo captured three straight Premier League titles with the club during the 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons before departing England and heading for Real Madrid on a record-breaking transfer fee.

However, as Neville explained, Bale may be a better fit for United at this stage. Four years younger than Ronaldo, Bale would offer the Premier League contenders more long-term hope and stability as they attempt to return to the title stage.