Manchester United chief Ed Woodward is confident of signing Real Madrid star Gareth Bale.

That's according to the Daily Record's Duncan Castles, who has close ties to United.

“Bale's decision, if there's a bid made, will depend on who the new coach is and whether they can convince him about his status in the team," Castles told The Transfer Window podcast.

“Bale has resisted leaving Madrid for a long time but this summer's different and he's actively pursuing a move, he spoke about it after the Champions League final.

"He went into those last few games of the season having been instructed by people close to him that he needed to market himself.

“Manchester United are definitely interested. Mourinho tried to sign him last summer.

“If Madrid say yes to it, which they're likely to, and Bale says yes to it, that will necessitate a redrawing of United's transfer plans.

“They didn't go into the summer expecting to sign an attacking player of his status.

"Bale changes the dynamic, this is the level of player Ed Woodward wants to bring to the club. He has huge marketing potential.

“He's confident of convincing the Glazers to approve the huge finances involved in getting him.

“Madrid will ask for €100m. Bale is on a net salary of €12m.

“There will be a discussion [between Mourinho and United] along the lines of 'Yes I want Bale, if you can do it, but I also need money to reinforce other areas of the team'."