United have reportedly identified Wales international Bale as an alternative to top target Jadon Sancho.
Manchester United will reportedly turn to Gareth Bale should they fail to strike a mega-money deal for Jadon Sancho - but are unlikely to pursue a permanent deal.
United have seemingly pursued England winger Sancho all summer, but Dortmund have so far played hardball over his valuation.
And, according to the Mirror, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is ready to give Bale the chance to end his Real Madrid nightmare.
United chiefs are said to be ready to give the green light to a loan move, with Madrid sharing the cost of Bale's £600,00-a-week wages before tax.
Real appear increasingly desperate to move Bale on this summer, with relations between the Welshman and boss Zinedine Zidane seemingly breaking down beyond repair.
It represents something of a u-turn from the Spanish champions, who blocked Bale from making a big money move to China last summer.
Reports have recently suggested that Real could be open to selling Bale for just £22m, although Bale's bumper wage packet could yet prove problematic for any potential suitors.
There have been suggestions that Real could help ease the potential financial burden by paying half the player's wages.
United are believed to be keen on securing a loan move for Bale rather than a permanent transfer, although the player's agent Jonathan Barnett has previously ruled out anything other than a permanent transfer.
It remains to be seen whether that stance has changed.
In a recent TV interview discussing his future, Bale admitted that the decision was likely to lie in the hands of his club.