Manchester United are reportedly plotting a January transfer window swoop for Gareth Bale, said to be unhappy at Rafa Benitez’s Real Madrid exit.
The Daily Mail claims United will offer €102m [£75m] for the Wales international and use countryman Ryan Giggs to help tempt Bale to Old Trafford.
Giggs is said by the newspaper to be Bale’s idol and is also the presumptive next manager of United, as he currently assists Louis Van Gaal.
Van Gaal’s predecessor David Moyes and his predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson both tried to sign Bale, unsuccessfully, but it’s alleged that the turmoil at Santiago Bernabeu following the departure of Benitez could work in United’s favour.
Zidane admitted at his presentation that Bale was disappointed Benitez was let go and United feel they could exploit the unrest, though might have a better chance in the summer, after Bale has played for his country at Euro 2016.
Wages of more than €400,000 [£300,000] per week mean only a handful of clubs could realistically tempt Bale from Spain – United and Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester City.
United are said to be Bale’s preference if he does leave the Bernabeu, and the influence Cristiano Ronaldo has at the club, and the ‘political influence’ that pervades Madrid, could push him away.
