Ryan Giggs is key to Manchester United persuading Gareth Bale to quit Real Madrid for Old Trafford.

The Sun says Louis van Gaal is targeting the Welsh wizard as the crown jewel of a £150m summer transfer splurge but there are doubts over his desire to quit the Bernabeu.

And Giggs' role as United No.2 is likely to sway Bale's decision over his future.

The 25-year-old idolised Giggs, who won 13 Premier League titles during his time at Old Trafford, as a child and the pair have become firm friends.

A swap deal involving David De Gea, seen as the heir to veteran keeper Iker Casillas, has reportedly been ruled out by Real chiefs so United top brass will have to spend in excess of £80m to land their man.