Former Manchester United star Andy Cole believes the club need Champions League football in order to sign Gareth Bale.

The Real Madrid star is being linked with a return to England in the summer.

United are expected to spend big after appointing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as their permanent manager on Thursday, but Cole thinks that will stand for nothing without the prospect of playing in Europe's premier knockout competition.

The 1999 treble winner said: "I think Manchester United should be going for all top players of that calibre. That's what Manchester United is about.

"Do those players want to come to Manchester United? That's the question. If Manchester United miss out on Champions League football... top players want to play Champions League football.

"When you are playing at that elite level, it's not all about money. People think it's all about money, but you speak to players at elite level.

"Do you want to play Champions League football or do you want a few more quid? They will say Champions League, because they want to win it - it's a special competition.

"So if Manchester United miss out on Champions League football, it becomes difficult for them to attract players. It can be tough."