Manchester United are set to continue their recent transfer splurge by making bids for both Gareth Bale and Kevin Strootman over the coming months.
Louis Van Gaal, who replaced David Moyes as Manchester United manager in the summer following the Scot’s dismal campaign at Old Trafford, has already spent close to $250 million since taking over.
But the Dutch coach is well aware that he still needs to drastically improve his squad in order to match the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City, who are currently an echelon above the Red Devils.
In order to reach this level, Louis Van Gaal has picked out three players that he requires. According to Spanish newspaper AS, via the Mirror , Louis Van Gaal would like to buy two centre-backs as well as a player who can “win games.”
Gareth Bale is certainly an athlete who fits into the latter category, and it now appears as though Louis Van Gaal has picked him out as his number one target.
Over the last few months Manchester United have been heavily linked to securing the services of their ex-player Cristiano Ronaldo. This was viewed by many at the time as a done deal. Not only had the Portuguese forward suggested that he would love to return to the Premier League, but United’s hierarchy were also aware that if he did move back to Old Trafford fans would be ecstatic. Plus it would signal their intention to return to the zenith of soccer, a position they had previously held for decades when Sir Alex Ferguson was manager.
However over the last few months these rumors have subsided. That’s because Cristiano Ronaldo has continued to improve on his already mesmeric form and as a result he has now cemented his place as the best player in world soccer. Thus Real Madrid have realised that selling him would be suicidal for their fortunes.
Real Madrid don’t hold Gareth Bale in such esteem though. In fact they would be willing to let the Welsh winger leave if they got an astronomical figure for him.
Manchester United are prepared to do just that. They want to offer $200 million to Madrid for Bale. Louis Van Gaal has instructed Manchester United’s officials to get Gareth Bale at all cost.
But despite these rumors, Marca have reported that Real Madrid have no intention of selling Bale, while he himself has insisted that he is happy in Spain.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are also believed to be on the verge of signing Kevin Strootman from Roma.
The Dutch central-midfielder has been linked with a move to Old Trafford for months, and it is believed that he would cost around $50 million.
According to the Mirror , Italian agent Matteo Matterazzi has declared that United are “one step away” from signing Strootman.
[Image via Static ]