Manchester United are reportedly willing to spend big to acquire Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale, who is reportedly being shopped by the Spanish powerhouse club.

Jack Wilson of Daily Star reported that Manchester United, who are aching to get back on top of the Barclays Premier League, are prepared to acquire Bale for a world record fee of £120 million in the January transfer window.

Recent reports also indicated that Real Madrid has already informed Bale about United's interest in acquiring him via lucrative transfer deal. Sources said that Bale gave his current team the green light to bring him back to the Premier League after moving to Spanish La Liga last summer via a record transfer deal.

Bale moved to Bernabeu last summer after Tottenham Hotspur sold him for £86 million. Before Tottenham moved Bale to Real Madrid, the forward's agent, Jonathan Barnett, said that Manchester United also made a strong push to acquire the 25-year-old.

Barnett revealed that Manchester United actually offered more money than Real Madrid, but Bale wanted to play at Bernabeu instead of staying in the Barclays Premier League.

Manchester United are still reportedly high on Bale, who has tallied 13 goals and four assists in all competitions for Real Madrid this season.

When asked about the rumors linking the Red Devils to Bale, Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal did not give a direct answer, saying that he wants to keep all possible moves in house.

"I cannot discuss that with you," van Gaal told reporters via ESPN FC. "I discuss it with my CEO and not with anyone in the media."

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti previously said that Bale will remain at Bernabeu despite talks about a possible transfer, but recent reports revealed that the Champions League holders are now open to parting ways with the Wales international.

Sources said that the Real Madrid are interested in signing Marco Reus, who is reportedly planning to leave Borussia Dortmund next summer.

Reus will be available for £20 million in the summer, which means that Real Madrid will have a £100 profit should they decide to sell Bale and replace him the 25-year-old Germany international.

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