Manchester United: Bryan Robson identifies Gareth Bale as Louis van Gaal's ideal transfer target

Manchester United legend Bryan Robson believes Real Madrid star Gareth Bale will be the ideal signing for Louis van Gaal at this stage. He has urged the Dutch manager to bring the former Premier League star back to England.

The Red Devils' manager has been active in the transfer market this summer, and has already brought in five players to strengthen the squad, but the manager is still not satisfied with his squad and has indicated that it still lacks speed and creativity in the final third.

The 20-times English champions have been linked with a move for Barcelona forward Pedro Rodriguez, with Spanish daily AS claiming that a move is close to being completed after the Manchester-based club sent emissaries to Spain to finalise the deal.

But Robson feels that Van Gaal will be a happy man if he can sign Bale this summer, as it will strengthen two positions in his team, as the Welshman can function effectively either as a wide player or as a centre-forward.

The 20-times English champions have been linked with a big money move for the former Tottenham Hotspur star, according to Tutto Mercato Web, but Real's new manager Rafael Benitez has made it clear that Bale is not for sale.

"Bringing Bale in would be a really good signing if it was to happen," Robson told ESPN, as quoted by Goal.

"The good thing with Bale, and this is what the manager likes, is he can play in two different positions - he can play wide coming in and also as a centre-forward," the former United midfielder explained.

"It will be really difficult but if the manager can add him to the squad I think he will be a happy man," he added.