Manchester United are planning a January move for Real Madrid attacker Gareth Bale.

The Sun says if he does not head for Old Trafford in the New Year, Real Madrid are convinced he will do so next summer.

Bale was close to a one-year deal with China's Jiangsu Suning in the summer — worth £1million a week.

But minutes before the move was confirmed, Real blocked the transfer by demanding a transfer fee.

Sources insist that is because they knew United were keen then — and are even more determined to land a star name to rescue their season now.

Real are willing to let Bale go after a series of negative public comments from manager Zinedine Zidane — and controversy this week.

Sources close to Bale suggest he is ready to call time on his LaLiga career — and Real are prepared to do business.