Man United CEO is more desperate to sign £90m target superstar than Jose Mourinho

Manchester United’s board believe the club’s interest in Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale stems from Ed Woodward, with Jose Mourinho less keen on the Welshman.

The Red Devils have failed with three separate attempts to sign Bale in the last decade and offered more money than Madrid paid Spurs in 2013 in a then-world record £87.5million deal.

Jose Mourinho has signed three players so far this summer but has admitted he’s targeting at least two more arrivals, with a centre-back and a back-up forward his priorities.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Juventus has made any deal for Bale unlikely but United have not given up hope of signing the Wales international.

However, according to the Independent, United feel as though the club’s pursuit of Bale is down to Woodward’s desire to sign a world superstar and the board believe his arrival would not stop Mourinho pursuing a more workmanlike wide midfielder.

Woodward is attracted by the commercial appeal of Bale, as well as his obvious ability on the pitch and would be willing to pay up to £90m for the winger.

While Mourinho is an admirer of Bale, he feels an industrious winger like Willian would suit his system better and provide better service for Romelu Lukaku.

United’s pursuit of Willian got an unexpected boost today when Barcelona hijacked Roma’s deal for Brazilian Malcom. The Bordeaux star was set to join the Serie A giants but their deal for Malcom could end their interest in Willian.