Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez has been in contact with Manchester United.

According to the Independent, intermediaries held talks with the Red Devils to see if they were interested.

Jose Mourinho would want to sign Sanchez, who has entered the final year of his contract.

But Sanchez’s first choice is to quit Arsenal for Manchester City.

The Chile forward previously worked with City boss Pep Guardiola at former club Barcelona.

Arsenal are reluctant to sell Sanchez but could strike a player-plus-cash deal.

Meanwhile, reports in Spain suggest United have launched a bid for Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale.

According to Diario Gol, they have offered a club-record £97m for his services.

Bale is currently in Britain preparing for Wales’ upcoming fixtures against Austria and Moldova.

The former Tottenham star was whistled by the Bernabeu crowd in Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Valencia.

Manchester United have launched a £97m bid for Gareth Bale, according to reports in Spain

Finally, Antoine Griezmann’s former agent Eric Olhats has claimed the forward was very close to joining United this summer.

The Red Devils were set to trigger his release clause before Atletico Madrid’s transfer ban was upheld.

Olhats said: "Griezmann didn't feel able to leave Atletico.

"He's been integral to them and has shown his commitment to the club at a time when they couldn't sign players.

“Without the Fifa sanctions he would have gone."