Louis van Gaal refuses to discuss Gareth Bale speculation

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has refused to discuss recent speculation that has linked his club with a move for Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale.

It had been suggested that upon learning of United's supposed interest, the Welshman indicated that he would be open to the prospect of returning to the Premier League next summer.

However, when asked if United's pursuit was genuine, Van Gaal insisted that he will only discuss transfer matters with the club's chief executive Ed Woodward.

"I cannot discuss [the Bale speculation] with you. I discuss that with my CEO and not with anyone of the media," he told reporters this afternoon.

Bale joined Los Blancos from Tottenham Hotspur for around £90m in 2013.