May 7, 2015 10:30:00
The Red Devils are willing to break the world record to
bring the out-of-form forward to Old Trafford - but the
player wants to stay in Spain for at least one more
season
By Greg Stobart Follow on Twitter
Gareth Bale is determined to stay at Real Madrid and will
resist a transfer to Manchester United this summer, Goal
understands.
United are ready to launch a world-record bid for Bale
while Premier League champions Chelsea are also closely
monitoring his situation, but the Welshman has no
intention of leaving Real Madrid this summer and will
fight for his future at Santiago Bernabeu.
The 25-year-old wants at least another season to prove
himself in Madrid having been heavily criticised this
season, particularly off the back of Tuesday's Champions
League semi-final first leg defeat to Juventus.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez signed Bale for
£86 million in 2013 and has so far backed his record
signing publicly. United, however, would be willing to
match the £100m they offered Tottenham for Bale that
summer before the player turned them down to move to
Spain.
That could test Real Madrid's resolve to hold on to Bale,
with the decision ultimately resting with Perez.
"We would never listen to any offers for Bale no matter
what the bid was," Perez told Marca in March. "He is a
unique player who has already given so much to the
team.
"He is the key to the club's future, just like I cannot
imagine a future without Cristiano Ronaldo."
Bale has played a vital role in Real Madrid's triumphs in
the Champions League, Copa del Rey and Club World
Club since his arrival, but his performances this season
have come under increasing scrutiny.
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane blasted
Bale's display in Turin on Tuesday, claiming Real Madrid
effectively "played with 10 men".
Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett hit back at the criticism
and insisted Bale is focused solely on succeeding for
Real Madrid.
"Why should we take any notice of comments from
people who don't know what they are talking about - and
from people who have failed in management," Barnett
told BBC Sport.
"This is only an issue in England. Gareth is at the biggest
club in the world. He is one of the best players in the
world. He is fine.
"He only listens to relevant comments. He is 100 per
cent focused on Real Madrid."
Bale has made 45 appearances for Real Madrid in all
competitions this season, scoring 17 goals and
registering 11 assists.