Andy Dunn: United Will Target Bale

Manchester United are likely to be on red alert should signing Gareth Bale become even the slightest possibility this summer, Andy Dunn told the Sunday Supplement.

The winger scored twice and set up the other as Wales won 3-0 in Saturday's European 2016 qualifier in Israel, but has become a target for the boo-boys at the Santiago Bernabeu following some below-par performances for Real Madrid this season.

And Dunn believes the powers that be at Old Trafford will be keeping a very close eye on the situation as they plan another summer spending splurge.

"I'm not as convinced as some people that he [Bale] will be there next season," said the Sunday Mirror columnist. "I know a lot of people in Spain are saying that he is definitely staying, him and Ronaldo.

"I'm not completely convinced and certainly it has been well touted that if someone like Manchester United get any hint that A, he is unhappy or B, Real Madrid are unhappy with him, then I think they will put a lot of money towards him.

"It is so volatile (at Real Madrid), you can't actually predict what is going to happen. I just think if there is a glimmer of hope, specifically for Man United, they have made no secret of the fact they are going to have another £150m to spend and a good chunk of it would be well spent on Gareth Bale, if they have the chance."

However, Shaun Custis of The Sun cannot see the Welshman even contemplating a move away from Madrid in the next transfer window.

"He doesn't want it to end. If you talk to his connections, they say that absolutely no way does he want to leave Real Madrid, that he wants to stay," said Custis.

"Let's be honest, we knew it was his dream to go out and play in Madrid and he is not going to give it up after two years if he can help it. There is no reason for him to give it up at the moment and he doesn’t have to.

"There is no will on his part to leave, at all. There is almost a stubbornness to say 'I am sticking this out, no matter what happens. I am going to stay.' That's his feeling."

The Daily Telegraph's Football Correspondent Henry Winter also expects Bale to remain in Spain, citing the backing the world-record signing has had from Madrid's president Florentino Perez as an important factor.

"Why leave that stage where he’s shown that he can perform? He also has the support of the president. I absolutely admire his resilience," he said, referring to how Bale has dealt with the criticism he has received this campaign.

"I hope he does stick out there because I would like to see more British, particularly English, players go out and develop on the continent.

"It would develop them as footballers and as people as well and maybe when they come back they will have some stronger characters in the England dressing room."

Credit: Skysports.com