Gareth Bale to Manchester United: Louis van Gaal to make 'last ditch' attempt to lure Wales international

Red Devils continue their pursuit of Real Madrid ace

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Manchester United are reportedly preparing to make a 'last ditch' attempt to lure Gareth Bale back to the Premier League.

The 26-year-old has been the subject of intense interest from the Old Trafford outfit in recent years and, with the David De Gea saga entering into the last week of the summer transfer window, they believe they finally have some leverage over Real Madrid.

United have previously tried and failed to use the Spain international goalkeeper as a component in their offer for Sergio Ramos but that deal fell down when the La Liga giants offered the defender a new and improved contract.

According to ESPN, Red Devils manager Louis van Gaal has been sanctioned to make a final approach for the Welsh international as United search for a marquee signing to kick-start their stuttering campaign.

Real president Florentino Perez is increasingly stubborn to do business with the Premier League outfit as they become a sterner European rival under Van Gaal but he may be forced to sell if he wants to ensure De Gea spends his future in Spain.

Reports have suggested United have targeted Barcelona superstar Neymar while talk of a move for Thomas Muller persists, but Bale is considered as the most likely acquisition.