Transfer talk: Manchester United misery putting Gareth Bale off £100m move

Real Madrid is a mad-house at the best of times but it is surely it's a bit more stable at this moment in time than Manchester United.

Gareth Bale is reportedly not as keen to force through a summer move to United than he was last summer. Back then, the Welsh attacker seriously considered a move back to the Premier League before he was convinced to give life under Rafa Benitez a go. The Spaniard has since been sacked but looking at United, even Bale can't claim the grass is greener in Manchester. Both The Times and Independent report that United's dour play, league struggles and uncertainties over Louis van Gaal's future have all combined to cast genuine doubt over any move this summer. Elsewhere, Newcastle United are hoping that Chelsea tie up their loan deal for Alexandre Pato as they want to draft in rarely used striker Loic Remy. The Toon, according to The Guardian, are also set to stump up £12m for the occasionally dazzling services of Tottenham winger Andros Townsend. On Monday, West Ham were linked with a loan move for Liverpool's Mario Balotelli but it appears as if the Italian will be staying with AC Milan until the season's end. Hammers fans will be pleased to hear, though, that the club has agreed personal terms with 28-year-old Nigerian striker Emmanuel Emenike [Evening Standard]. Is it just us or is this January transfer window absolutely horrid?