Transfer News: Man Utd have launched £97m bid for Real Madrid star Gareth Bale - report

Manchester United have so far been thwarted in their efforts to lure Bale away from Spain.

But Diario Gol claim the undeterred Red Devils have launched a huge £97million offer to sign the Wales international.

Bale's future at the Bernabeu remains shrouded in uncertainty with less than 48 hours of the transfer window remaining.

He was booed in their 2-2 draw with Valencia on Sunday and Zinedine Zidane had to release a statement publicly backing the player as a result of their actions. 

Supporters are known to favour youngster Marco Asensio, who has already scored four goals from five games this campaign.

Manchester United's interest in Bale dates back to his time in the Southampton academy.

Back then, Sir Alex Ferguson attempted to snap him up but Bale ended up signing for Martin Jol's Tottenham instead.

United again tried to sign him just before Real Madrid won the race for his signature.

David Moyes thought he would convince the then Tottenham star to move to Old Trafford.

But, despite the Scot bidding a huge £120m, the 28-year-old chose a transfer to Spain instead.

Speaking back in December, Moyes confirmed he had made the Wales international his No1 target.

“When I first went in my real target was Gareth Bale," he said. 

"I felt all along that Gareth Bale was a Manchester United player.

“I fought right until the last minute. We actually offered a bigger deal than Real Madrid. 

"But Gareth had his mind made up on going to Real Madrid. That was, in my mind, the player I really wanted to bring to Manchester United."

Whether or not Jose Mourinho fares better, however, remains to be seen.