Former United Midfielder: Gareth Bale Could Be Heading to Old Trafford

Former Manchester United midfielder Mickey Thomas claims the rumours around Old Trafford suggest the Premier League champions could be in for an approach in signing Tottenham star Gareth Bale.

The 24-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid after reports emerged that both clubs had reached on a world-record transfer fee for the Welshman. However, if the reports are to be believed, Spurs are considering offers from more than one club for Bale's signature.

Thomas claims that the nine-time European Champions lack funds to sign Bale. The 59-year-old former Welsh midfielder believes the situation would favour United in making a move to bring him to Old Trafford in the final week of the transfer window.

"The whispers around Old Trafford are that he's Old Trafford-bound. That might be more in hope than anything else but it could happen, because by all accounts Real Madrid have not got all the money to put down for Gareth Bale and by all accounts they owe money for Luka Modric," Thomas told BBC.

"So that might not happen and he might be Old Trafford-bound. That would be great news for Welsh football and certainly for Manchester United," he added.

United have not added any top player this summer and the Premier League champions' manager, David Moyes remained tight lipped when asked about his side's approach in signing Bale.

Meanwhile, former Welsh international Barry Horne also went on to echo Thomas' comments. He claims that United are interested and they have the funds at their disposal in signing his compatriot. Andre Villas-Boas has added new faces to the squad this summer and Horne believes a transfer fee of around £55-£60m could see Spurs allow Bale leave the north London club.

"Man United have got fortunes to spend and there was talk that the second club involved wasn't Chelsea, it was Man United. That would make sense: one fantastic, left-footed, talisman genius is close to retirement so you replace him with another - makes perfect sense," Horne said.

"It wouldn't cost United £86m because... at this point in the game Spurs are a little bit exposed to the tune of £55-60m [with the new players bought]," the 51-year-old concluded.