Manchester United have stepped on the gas in their pursuit of Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller and Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale before the transfer window slams shut at the end of August.
According to the Daily Express, United supremo Ed Woodward has made the mega £160m acquisition of the marquee pair the club’s top priorities in the final weeks of the transfer window. Louis van Gaal had been speaking about luring in a super star this summer for a mammoth fee and it appears as though Muller and Bale will be the ones to move to Old Trafford, although a transfer for Neymar has also been talked about.
Pedro, whom United missed out on, started for Chelsea on Sunday and bagged a goal and an assist, while Louis van Gaal’s side drew blank against a resolute Newcastle United team on Saturday, and the call for a top striker has crescendoed.
The aforementioned source claims van Gaal is aware of Bale’s situation at Real Madrid. The club’s supporters favour Isco ahead of the Wales international speedster. The Dutchman also knows Muller fancies a move to Old Trafford, and wants to follow close pal and former Bayern team-mate Bastian Schweinsteiger to United.
Reports say United have offered £60m but was rejected by the Bundesliga champions. With the club’s coach Pep Guardiola also failing to rule out any departure, Muller has a big chance of rejoining van Gaal – who have him his debut during the Dutchman’s spell as manager of Bayern Munich.
Bale has been on the receiving end of sticks from the Los Blancos supporters and the most expensive footballer in the world would no doubt relish the chance of returning to the Premier League where he blossomed.
The 26-year old former Spurs star played for Real last night as they drew 0-0 against Sporting Gijon in Rafael Benitez’s first game in charge of the Spanish giants.
United will now hope they swiftly seal these deals the deadline of the window.