How Man Utd could line up with Bale, Haaland and Fernandes but no Pogba as Solskjaer plots huge January transfer window
MANCHESTER UNITED are keen on finally landing long-term target Gareth Bale in January as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer plots a huge transfer window.
SunSport exclusively revealed Real Madrid believe the Red Devils will return for the wantaway Welshman as they are determined to land a star name to rescue their season.
Bale was close to a one-year deal with China’s Jiangsu Suning in the summer — worth £1million a week.
But minutes before the move was confirmed, Real blocked the transfer by demanding a transfer fee.
Los Blancos are now willing to Bale go after a series of negative public comments from manager Zinedine Zidane — and controversy this week.
While the 30-year-old has not been fit to feature for his club for a month, he was able to join up with Wales for their Euro qualifiers and play an hour of their 2-0 win over Azerbaijan on Friday.
While Real prepared to do business, they will like to use Bale as leverage to bring Paul Pogba to the Bernabeu following a summer-long pursuit.
The Frenchman's exit would leave United light of creative options in the middle, with the 26-year-old registering as many Premier League assists as his replacements despite seven games out injured.
And that could see them return for Bruno Fernandes, who admitted he has dreams to fulfil in football which could be away from Sporting Lisbon.
United had been heavily linked with a bid to sign the 25-year-old last summer and were quoted a price in excess of £60million.
But that was at a time when the club were unsure whether Pogba would be happy to remain at Old Trafford this season and ultimately no bid was made.
United are also looking for more firepower upfront and have been made the frontrunners to sign teen sensation Erling Haaland in January.
The Norwegian superstar has emerged as one of Europe's top prospects after an incredible goal haul of 26 goals in 18 games this season.
United have previously been boosted by the comments of Haaland's father, Alf-Inge, who revealed his son has ambitions to play in the Premier League.
Solskjaer does not want United to pay more than £85million for the forward — but is confident he would fit in perfectly with the club's youthful revolution.
The Norwegian managed compatriot Haaland at Molde before he was appointed United manager - but a deal had already been struck with RB Salzburg when he took over at Old Trafford.
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But his highly-anticipated arrival would also see Solskjaer likely push Marcus Rashford out to the left, where he has flourished since Anthony Martial's return from injury as the club's number nine.
Luke Shaw will also hope to be restored behind him as he closes in on a comeback from a hamstring injury that limited him to three games this season.
But United fans might not be so desperate for the former Southampton man to be restored into the starting XI following the breakout performances of 19-year-old Brandon Williams.
