Graham Hunter: 'Manchester United unlikely to sign Gareth Bale'

Spain-based journalist Graham Hunter has denied claims that Manchester United could sign Gareth Bale next summer.

Despite joining Real Madrid just last summer, Bale has been linked with a return to the Premier League, with United believed to be in the driving seat.

However, Hunter does not believe that the move will occur unless the Welshman, 26, actively seeks a transfer.

"You cannot stop Manchester United aspiring to sign Gareth Bale," Hunter told Sky Sports News.

"[Man Utd] have the budget, they tried to sign him, he turned them down when joining Real Madrid. It will not happen unless he goes to Real Madrid and says, 'Me and my family are not happy here.'

"But that is not the case at the moment, so I think for [now] United can forget it. In the future, maybe, but stories are just stories at the moment."

Bale has scored 31 times in 64 games for Real Madrid.