Manchester United transfer news and rumours: Club on alert over Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo

The Portuguese star is set to leave Real Madrid despite arrival of Zinedine Zidane; Welshman considers his future; Watford striker dreams of move to Old Trafford

Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale (Getty Images)

Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo continue to be heavily linked with moves to Manchester United, with both players understood to be open to leaving Real Madrid at the end of the season.

Ronaldo is undoubtedly the man most United fans want to see back at Old Trafford, and, according to the today’s Daily Telegraph, the Portuguese star could be in line for a return.

The report Ronaldo is likely to leave Spain come the end of the campaign, despite the appointment of former World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane as manager. Zidane replaced Rafael Benitez this week after the Spaniard was sacked following the 2-2 draw with Gary Neville’s Valencia at the weekend.

United will, however, will face the might of Paris Saint-Germain’s chequebook for the winger’s signature.

Bale’s future is also likely to become one of the sagas of next summer. United have made several enquiries about Bale’s availability in recent years, but this summer could present their most realistic chance of signing the Welshman.

Bale is reported by the Daily Mail as feeling ‘let down’ by the treatment of Benitez, while the Sun says he is concerned for his future. Momentum seems to be building towards a parting of ways for the former Spurs man, but with Chelsea, Bayern Munich and PSG also interested, United have their work cut out – never mind the fact that Real value the forward at around £120m.

Meanwhile, with Louis van Gaal short of strikers at Old Trafford he could be tempted into a move for Watford’s Odion Ighalo. The in-form forward, who has scored 14 goals this season, told the Sun he would love a move to Old Trafford. He said: “I don't think I will be moving but I'm not sure I'd say no if United called. They were my team growing up. I loved watching Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke on TV. They were my idols and playing at Old Trafford has always been a dream.”

Finally, Van Gaal remains the United manager for now - but only because Carlo Ancelotti turned the club down, say the Daily Mail, who report United approached the Italian in November, but he turned them down as Bayern Munich made him feel more 'wanted'.