Manchester United remain interested in Gareth Bale, Sky sources understand

Manchester United remain interested in Gareth Bale but they have yet to make a formal bid to Real Madrid, according to Sky sources.

It is understood no formal talks have taken place between clubs, and sources have told Sky Sports News HQ they expect Bale to remain at Real Madrid beyond this summer's transfer window.

Manchester United made an offer for Bale two years ago before Tottenham accepted a world-record £86m bid from the Spanish club. 

Jonathan Barnett, who brokered Bale's deal in 2013, told Sky Sports News HQ in May: "Why would he look to go elsewhere? Real Madrid at the  No 1 club in the world.

"There's always interest in him – but as far as we are concerned he'll be at Real Madrid next summer."

Sky Sports reported earlier this year that United would look into the possibility of signing Bale, and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville said in May that his former side should push to sign the 26-year-old.

Bale said as far back as January that he could not see himself at Old Trafford because he was enjoying his time at the Bernabeu.

Bale said: "I can't imagine myself at Manchester United. In a recent interview, [the Spanish press] asked me if I was unhappy at Real and I told them I'm really happy here.

"I've got several years left on my contract, I'm enjoying myself, we're winning trophies and I want to keep doing that here at Real."