Man United may be plotting a sensational Bale bid

It turns out that we might have all been wrong about Louis van Gaal's secret transfer target, with reports emerging that Manchester United could be back in for Gareth Bale.

Real Madrid are thought to want a world record £86m for the Welshman, but United are ready to spend big with David De Gea potentially following Angel Di Maria out the exit door this summer. The Sunday Express report that any approach for Bale would not be impacted by the Premier League club's pursuit of Barcelona's Pedro, and it certainly looks like United's front-line will look very different to the end of last season. Nani and Robin van Persie have already departed, while Ashley Young and Javier Hernandez have also been linked with moves away from Old Trafford. Bale would be an incredible addition, but he won't come cheap.