straight to your inbox Manchester United are unlikely to intervene as Tottenham close in on re-signing Gareth Bale. The MEN understands United had no plans to buy Bale, 31, in a permanent deal but had refused to rule him out as an emergency loan option amid an impasse in negotiations for Jadon Sancho.Bale was open to joining United but no contact was made with his representatives and Spurs have accelerated plans for Bale to return to the club he left seven years ago.