Manchester United remain keen on signing Gareth Bale from Real Madrid

Manchester United are set to make a fresh approach for Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale next summer, although the Red Devils will not meet the Spanish club's asking price of £100m ($135m), reports say.

The Sunday Mirror claims United see Bale's price on the same ball park as David de Gea – a long-time Real target – who is valued at around £60m.

Bale's career in Spain has stalled due to various injury troubles. The 28-year-old has only made five La Liga appearances for Real this season and had not played for the club since September due to a calf problem before he returned as a substitute in the Copa del Rey clash against Fuenlabrada last week.

The Wales international missed Real's goalless draw against Athletic Bilbao at San Mames on 2 December due to a minor calf injury.

United have long held an interest in Bale and failed twice in their attempts to sign him, while Chelsea and Tottenham have also been linked with moves for the Wales forward.

Before the match against Athletic, Zidane said he did not know how long it would take for Bale to return from his latest setback.

"I don't think it's a mental problem, it's a small issue, a nuisance, but since he's been out a long time it's complicated," Zidane was quoted as saying by Marca.

"I hope it's just a physical issue and that it's just annoying. It's a problem with his calf and we don't want to risk it.

"It all depends on him, I cannot give a return date. I hope it's next week."

Last week, Bale's agent said his client had no intention of leaving Real Madrid and that he wanted to finish his career at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"He wants to play the rest of his life at Real Madrid. He loves Madrid, the city, life and he loves the club," Jonathan Barnett told Fichajes.

"Of course it hurts him when the people don't support him and they do with other players who aren't so good. It's crazy, this happens only in Spain and I don't understand it, fans should understand this and know how good he is."