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Bale 'was offered more money by Manchester United'

Gareth Bale won the Champions League and Copa del Rey in his first season at Real, scoring in both finals © Getty Images

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Gareth Bale was offered more money by Manchester United and "did not want to go" to Barcelona ahead of his world-record £85 million move to Real Madrid last summer, according to the player's agent.

Bale, 25, scored decisive goals in the Champions League and Copa del Rey finals to help his new side to two major trophies in his debut season and has impressed during his time in Spain.

But the Welshman could have moved to Old Trafford from Tottenham if he had decided to take up a more lucrative offer.

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"It was one of the greatest, if not the largest [transfers]," agent Jonathan Barnett told AS. "And to complete it was a great honour for me because I met Gareth when he was very young and I was able to help make dream come true.

"He always wanted to play for Madrid. He could have gone to United and other clubs, but he wanted to Madrid."

When quizzed if Manchester United had offered more money, he replied: "Not much more, but more.

"I know that at one time Barcelona were also interested in him, but he said he did not want to go there. There were two agents who called me."

Barnett also insisted that his client is destined to win the Ballon d'Or at some point during his career.

"I'm sure that he will be the best player in the world," he added. "He will win the Ballon d'Or. I told the president and Jose Angel Sanchez and they laughed. They don't laugh much now.

"I told them that Bale was a better player than Neymar and has more impact. In Wales there are fewer people than in Brazil, unfortunately. But in the world I think Gareth is more known and important."

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