Man Utd target Bale determined to stay at Real Madrid

Gareth Bale is determined to stay at Real Madrid and will resist a transfer to Manchester United this summer according to Goal.

United are ready to launch a world-record bid for Bale while Premier League champions Chelsea are also closely monitoring his situation, but the Welshman has no intention of leaving Real Madrid this summer and will fight for his future at Santiago Bernabeu.

The 25-year-old wants at least another season to prove himself in Madrid having been heavily criticised this season, particularly off the back of Tuesday's Champions League semi-final first leg defeat to Juventus.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez signed Bale for £86 million in 2013 and has so far backed his record signing publicly. United, however, would be willing to match the £100m they offered Tottenham for Bale that summer before the player turned them down to move to Spain.

That could test Real Madrid’s resolve to hold on to Bale, with the decision ultimately resting with Perez.

“We would never listen to any offers for Bale no matter what the bid was,” Perez told Marca in March. “He is a unique player who has already given so much to the team.

“He is the key to the club's future, just like I cannot imagine a future without Cristiano Ronaldo.”

Bale has played a vital role in Real Madrid’s triumphs in the Champions League, Copa del Rey and Club World Club since his arrival, but his performances this season have come under increasing scrutiny.

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane blasted Bale’s display in Turin on Tuesday, claiming Real Madrid effectively “played with 10 men”.

Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett hit back at the criticism and insisted Bale is focused solely on succeeding for Real Madrid.

"Why should we take any notice of comments from people who don't know what they are talking about - and from people who have failed in management," Barnett told BBC Sport.

"This is only an issue in England. Gareth is at the biggest club in the world. He is one of the best players in the world. He is fine.

"He only listens to relevant comments. He is 100 per cent focused on Real Madrid."

Bale has made 45 appearances for Real Madrid in all competitions this season, scoring 17 goals and registering 11 assists.