Man Utd pull plug on pursuit of Gareth Bale as Solskjaer convinces Woodward to target younger domestic stars
MANCHESTER UNITED do not want to sign Gareth Bale, according to reports.
The Real Madrid winger, 29, has been a long-term target for the club with Ed Woodward considering moves each summer since 2013.
But now it is understood the United executive vice-chairman will give up on a mega-money move for the Welshman.
Bale is available this summer - either for a loan or permanent move - after a poor season at the Bernabeu.
And the signing of Chelsea star Eden Hazard in a £130million deal last week only worsened the situation for him.
According to the , the Red Devils have opted against entering talks with the La Liga giants.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has convinced his boss to pursue younger talents - who will also be cheaper on the wage bill.
Bale is thought to earn a staggering £600,000 per week, pricing most clubs out of any potential move, even if he took a significant pay cut.
YOUNGER OPTIONS
The Red Devils confirmed the signing of Bale's Wales team-mate and fellow winger Daniel James from Swansea yesterday on a five-year deal.
And Solskjaer is hopeful of securing more young, British talent before the transfer window closes - although he is keen to finish his summer business before the club fly out for their pre-season tour at the beginning of July.
Crystal Palace right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka has told the Eagles he wants to leave amid bids from United - the Old Trafford club are set to offer £50m for the England Under-21 international.
Meanwhile, centre-back Harry Maguire is still one of Solskjaer's top priorities with the Norwegian seemingly missing out on Matthijs de Ligt.
The Leicester and England man, 26, could cost as much as £75m, equalling the record fee Liverpool paid for Virgil van Dijk.
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Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff is another target with Nemanja Matic ageing.
While Jadon Sancho looks set to stay at Borussia Dortmund for at least another 12 months after establishing himself as one of the Bundesliga's top attacking talents last season.
But it appears any Manchester United fans hoping to see Bale tearing it up down the wing at Old Trafford next season are going to be left disappointed.
