Transfer Centre

Report: Manchester United executive Ed Woodward confident over Gareth Bale move

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter | 06 June 2018

Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is confident of being able to convince the club's owners to fund a mega-money move for Gareth Bale, according to a report.

Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is reportedly confident of being able to convince the club's owners to fund a mega-money move for Gareth Bale.

The Real Madrid star has been a long-term target for United and cast doubt over his future after the Champions League final when he suggested that he needs to be playing more regular first-team football.

Zinedine Zidane's shock departure as Blancos coach could have an impact on whether Bale stays in the Spanish capital, but United are still understood to view the Wales international as their main transfer target.

"Manchester United are definitely interested. Jose Mourinho tried to sign him last summer," journalist Duncan Castles told the Transfer Window Podcast.

"If Madrid say yes to it, which they're likely to, and Bale says yes to it, that will necessitate a redrawing of United's transfer plans. They didn't go into the summer expecting to sign an attacking player of his status.

"Bale changes the dynamic, this is the level of player Ed Woodward wants to bring to the club. He has huge marketing potential. He's confident of convincing the Glazers to approve the huge finances involved in getting him."

Madrid are thought to value Bale at more than £100m.