Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has been informed that the club are prepared to offer £100m for Real Madrid's Gareth Bale this summer, according to reports.

Despite being key to Carlo Ancelotti's plans since his world-record move from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2013, Bale has often been criticised by his own supporters and as a result, United have been repeatedly linked with the Welshman.

According to The Telegraph, the club's hierarchy have made it clear that they are willing to launch a bid for the 25-year-old should he indicate that he is open to leaving the Spanish capital.

The report suggests that added income from returning to the Champions League and a new kit deal with Adidas will give the club plenty of freedom in the transfer market as they aim to close the gap on Chelsea.

Real have repeatedly dismissed suggestions that they would listen to offers for Bale, and club president Florentino Perez is believed to be keen on retaining his services.

United were reported to have failed with a bid before Bale left Spurs for Madrid.