Gareth Bale has confirmed that Manchester United made a bid to sign him in 2013 under David Moyes before his move to Real Madrid
Gareth Bale has revealed that Manchester United submitted a larger offer to Tottenham for his signature in 2013 before his then-world record transfer to Real Madrid. The former forward departed for Spain in an £85million deal, a world record at the time.
The Welsh international was amongst the most sought-after strikers in global football at the conclusion of the 2012/13 campaign following 26 goals across 44 appearances for Spurs. Bale attracted interest from United, then under fresh leadership with David Moyes, and Madrid, ultimately penning a six-year deal at the Santiago Bernabeu that September.
Almost 13 years after his blockbuster switch to Spain, Bale has disclosed how United demonstrated genuine interest and explained why a move to Old Trafford never materialised. Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, the 36-year-old said: "United and Madrid were the two teams [who were interested].They actually bid more than Madrid."
When questioned whether he was ever going to join United, he replied: "No. He added: "I spoke with David Moyes. Not [Ed Woodward], maybe my agent did.
"My heart was set on Madrid. I had something in place with Daniel Levy, maybe more of a gentleman's agreement, because he didn't want to sell me to a rival.
Real Madrid vs Liverpool: UEFA Champions League final
Gareth Bale moved to Real Madrid and is one of Europe's most decorated players (Image: Getty)
"So if a team did come in from Spain, Italy or wherever, I could potentially go because if we didn't qualify for the Champions League, which we didn't, I was then able to go there. We had that gentleman's agreement, even though he made it very tough."
Gary Neville subsequently pressed for further information on why Bale turned down a switch to United at the time, questioning whether the club had put forward a superior salary package. At the time, widespread reports suggested he had secured a £300,000-per-week deal in Spain.
However, Bale acknowledged he never reached the point of negotiating his contract with United. "I didn't go down the wages route," he explained. "They offered more money to buy me, but it didn't really get any legs."
Moyes, who departed the club after eight months, has subsequently disclosed that United sought to capture Bale and Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona that summer. Instead, Marouane Fellaini was recruited from Everton for £27.5m."
It's been well documented that we wanted Cesc Fabregas, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo," Moyes stated in 2014. "There was talk of Ronaldo when I first arrived. We were close to getting a couple of major names."