United consider giving up on Bale

Bale has been United's boss Jose Mourinho's No 1 attacking target during most of his time at the helm and the 'Red Devils' had been linked with a mega-money summer move for the Welshman.

However, English publication 'The Daily Mirror' reports that United are considering ending their interest in the 'Cardiff Express', unless Real significantly lower their demands.

'Los Blancos' are thought to be holding out for £100m for the former Tottenham man, though United are only believed to be willing to pay between £50m and £60m.

Bale turns 29 next July and has been dogged by injury problems in recent times, managing to feature in just 10 of Real's 24 games in all competitions so far this season.

The aforementioned source claims that Real are looking to move Bale on in order to fund a sensational move for PSG star Neymar, but that United now only value the Wales international at a similar level to goalkeeper David De Gea, opening the door to a swap deal.

Bale returned from a two-month lay-off in the Copa Del Rey draw with Fuenladbrada in midweek but suffered a calf injury which ruled him out of Saturday's goalless draw with Athletic Bilbao in La Liga. Remarkably, this latest injury is the 20th of Bale's four-year Real Madrid career.

The 28-year-old has two years left on his £350,000 per week deal at the Bernabeu.