United set to move for Bale

Manchester United are preparing a £60m bid for Tottenham Hotspur’s Gareth Bale, the Mail Online understands.

The English champions, who recently lost out on Spanish international Thiago Alcantara to Bayern Munich, are looking to make a marquee signing ahead of their battle to retain the Premier League trophy.

Bale, who scored in Spurs pre-season game against Swindon Town earlier this week, was voted PFA, FWA and Barclays Premier League Player of the Year last season, leading him to be linked with a big money move to one of Europe’s elite.

Real Madrid had been spoken of as a potential destination for the Wales international, though it is United who look set to make a move.

Elsewhere, Jose Mourinho has said that Wayne Rooney is Chelsea’s only transfer target this summer, according to BBC Sport.

The Blues saw a player-plus-cash bid for the England international rejected by United earlier this week, but are expected to return with an improved offer in due course.

Arsenal are also said to be interested in signing the 27 year old, with manager Arsene Wenger insisting that the North London club can afford his wages.

However, David Moyes has insisted that Rooney is not for sale.