Report: Man United Targets Gareth Bale, Offers Real Madrid $181M For Wing Wizard

Gareth Bale could return to the Premier League if Manchester United gets its way.

Manchester United submitted a blockbuster transfer bid for Bale on Tuesday, offering Real Madrid a world-record £117 million (€150 million/$181 million) for the Welsh star, Spanish Radio station Cadena COPE reported Tuesday, according to the Daily Star and 101 Great Goals.

COPE journalist Miguel Angel Diaz said Real Madrid will reject Manchester United’s bid for Bale unless he tells the club he wants to leave and return to the English soccer. Bale’s contract reportedly includes a £785.5 million (€1 billion/$1.2 billion) buyout clause, and Real Madrid is under no pressure to sell him at this point in time.

Bale has been a key figure in Real Madrid’s star-studded team since joining from Tottenham Hotspur in a £78 million (€91 million/$123 million) in September 2013. Bale has scored 33 goals (and set up 24 more) in 66 games for Real Madrid, helping the Spanish giant win four titles (included the coveted UEFA Champions League crown) by scoring big goals during his time there.

Manchester United sits third in the Premier League heading into the festive season, and manager Louis van Gaal still is looking to strengthen his team in an effort to build it back into a dominant force in the English and European game.

Reporters asked Van Gaal about the links between Bale and his club Tuesday, but the Dutchman refused to answer their questions.

“I cannot discus that with you,” Van Gaal said, according to Sky Sports. “I discuss that with my CEO (chief executive Ed Woodward) and not with anyone of the media.”

Manchester United bid for Bale days before Tottenham agreed to sell him to Real Madrid, but he chose to move from London to Spain’s capital instead.

Manchester United might not be able to pry Bale loose in January, but it undoubtedly will be the hottest transfer story of 2015 if the Red Devils’ interest continues in the new year.