Man Utd plot record bid for Real Madrid star

Manchester United are reportedly set to make a club-record bid for one of La Liga's best in January.

Welsh midfield sensation Gareth Bale joined Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2013, and has since then played a fundamental role in the club's excellent progress in all competitions.

According to reports in Spain, United boss Louis van Gaal is confident of tempting the Welsh international into a switch back to the Premier League.

It is also claimed that Van Gaal would be provided transfer fees in excess of the £85m paid by Los Blancos last year, in order to secure Bale's signature in the New Year.

Bale has scored five goals in 11 games for Los Blancos this season.