Red Devils boss gets money to lure Gareth Bale

by almost £50-million.

With United’s off-field income growing to such an extent, the club plans further recruitment, with the move for Bale a priority should they be presented with the opportunity to bid for him.

Van Gaal has already identified defender Mats Hummels from Borussia Dortmund as another priority target, and is also keen to recruit PSV Eindhoven wing player Memphis Depay and right-back Nathaniel Clyne from Southampton.

United will attempt to conclude the bulk of their incoming transfers before the squad departs on the pre-season tour of the US on July 13.

Bale, an £85-million signing from Tottenham Hotspur in August 2013, retains the backing of Real boss Florentino Pérez, who has defended the player against the criticism to which he has been subjected, including boos and whistles from the Spanish club’s own supporters.

The former Southampton youngster, Bale, is understood to be prepared to fight to win over his critics in Madrid, having enjoyed a hugely successful first season at the club during which he scored decisive goals in finals of both the Champions League and Copa del Rey.

With the 25-year-old’s young family dividing their time between Madrid and Cardiff, there is a belief not only at Old Trafford but in other leading Premier League clubs that the Welshman will resume his career in England at some stage.

The difficulties experienced by the player in Madrid in recent months could yet prove the lever which may tempt him to consider a move to United.

But while United are prepared to win any race this summer to sign Bale, the future of goalkeeper David de Gea will not be linked to the Real player.

De Gea, who is torn between extending his contract at United and returning to his home city where his pop star girlfriend Edurne Garcia Almagro is based, has yet to sign United’s offer of a new £200 000-a-week long-term contract. — © The