Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Gareth Bale, Matteo Darmian

Gareth Bale will reportedly "demand" a £750,000-per-week contract at Real Madrid, which could put an end to Manchester United's pursuit of him.

According to the Times' Matt Hughes, Bale is in talks over a new deal at the Santiago Bernabeu and wants "to be paid the same as Cristiano Ronaldo."

Per Rob Dawson of the Manchester Evening News, such a contract "will all but end United's interest in the Welsh winger."

After a difficult second season in the Spanish capital, Bale shone last year, as he racked up 19 goals and 11 assists in 23 outings in La Liga.

The 27-year-old is among the quickest players in world football and one of the best athletes, and taking into account his dribbling skills, finishing and work rate, he is a complete forward.

Bale is also exceptionally skilled in the air, per Spanish football expert Sergi Dominguez and WhoScored.com:

The Welshman has become a leader and talismanic figure for his national side as well, per OptaJoe and European Qualifiers:

"

15 - Since September 2014, Gareth Bale has been directly involved in over half of Wales' goals (15 of 28, 12 goals and 3 assists). Virtuoso.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 6, 2016"

Bale's experience of the Premier League would make him an even greater asset were he to make a return to England, and he's the kind of star who could take United to the next level as they seek to bring back the glory days.

He's shining brightly at Real, though, and after his form of late, he may well get his wish—United would need to look elsewhere if he does.

Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

Meanwhile, according to Goal's Kris Voakes, United are trying to ship out Matteo Darmian in January but are struggling because "a lack of suitors."

Darmian has made just one appearance under Jose Mourinho, and that came in the UEFA Europa League.

The 26-year-old showed his talents early on in his Old Trafford career, but like many of his team-mates, he struggled to continue his form during the lowest points of Louis van Gaal's reign last season, and he does not appear to have recovered.

If given the chance, he could still prove useful, but thus far, it appears that won't be the case. Voakes reported Inter Milan are the most interested party provided they can get him on loan—if United aren't going to use him, they should consider it.