Real Madrid ace Gareth Bale is eager to join Manchester United. The Daily Express says United have been working on trying to bring the former Tottenham forward back to the Premier League for months.

And a close family member says Bale is keen on joining up with Louis van Gaal's side - one which the Dutchman is carefully building to try and win the Premier League next season.

Newly-crowned champions Chelsea and Manchester City are also monitoring the Bale situation but United are in pole position.

United also know that Real Madrid are desperate to land Old Trafford's outstanding keeper David de Gea.

De Gea has so far knocked back a new contract offer worth around £200,000 a week in the knowledge that he is wanted at the Bernabeu as the successor to Iker Casillas.

With still 12 months of his current contract to run United remain in charge of his destiny.