Paul Scholes believes that Gareth Bale would be a perfect fit for former club Manchester United, as speculation linking the Welshman with a move away from Real Madrid continues to intensify.

The Welshman has faced a turbulent few months at the Bernabeu, with many supporters turning against him following a drop in form this season.

United are among the clubs to have been linked with the former Tottenham Hotspur star, and while a move appears to be unlikely this summer due to financial constraints, Scholes is confident that Bale will be a hit at Old Trafford one day.

"My feeling is that he would be perfect for Manchester United," he wrote in his column for the London Evening Standard. "Of course, as a fan of my former club I would like to see him there but, looking at it objectively, I always felt that Bale was a natural fit for United as he developed at Tottenham from a left-back into one of the best attacking footballers in the country.

"He would be loved at Old Trafford. In return I believe he could turn Louis van Gaal's team into serious title contenders next season. In my years at United I witnessed some signings who, over their careers, transformed the fortunes of the team.

"From Eric Cantona when I was an apprentice, to Dwight Yorke, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney. These were great footballers who became great United players. Bale has the potential to make as much of an impact as any of them."

Bale, who is currently on international duty with Wales, has been urged by many former players to leave Madrid this summer.