Manchester United learnt just how serious Tottenham are about keeping their best player, after an enquiry over Gareth Bale saw the North London club demanding £70 million ($105 million) for their player.
Bale has been one of the best players in the English Premier League this season, and has almost single-handedly carried Tottenham to third place since the turn of the year.
The likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain are reportedly interested in signing the 23-year-old, but Spurs are looking to keep the Welsh forward at White Hart Lane.
United chief executive David Gill, who will resign in June, reportedly made contact with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy about a possible summer move for Bale, and United were stunned by Tottenham's demands, according to Goal.com.
Tottenham are instead, ready to double Bale's salary from around £75,000 a week ($113,000) to £150,000 a week ($225,000), which would completely break their strict wage structure.
Bale is reportedly happy to stay at White Hart Lane as long as Tottenham qualify for the Champions League next season, and it is looking more and more likely that the talented forward will stay in the English Premier League for at least one more season.
The Red Devils are looking to strengthen as much as possible for next season, and have been constantly been linked with Cristiano Ronaldo. However, if indeed, United have made an enquiry over Bale, then it would seem like they are looking at the Tottenham man, if a bid for Ronaldo fails.
United, interestingly, lost out on the signing of Bale in 2007, when the Welshman chose Spurs over a move to Old Trafford.
While Bale is capable of playing across the forward line, he has thrived off late in the free role just behind the striker; and if indeed United were to press ahead with a deal in the summer or even in 2014, questions will be raised over the future of Wayne Rooney yet again.
Rooney has been repeatedly linked with a move away, with the likes of PSG, who denied making a bid as yet, Bayern Munich and Monaco showing an interest.
PSG sporting director Leonardo said the French club had not bid for Rooney, but admitted to being a huge fan of the 27-year-old.
"No, no, we did nothing and never did, and if we do the first one (to know) will be Manchester United, at the moment there is nothing," he told Sky Sports News.
"Paris Saint Germain became a team who can buy all the players, the opposite of the other clubs.
"It is nice some big players, not only Rooney, they want to come to come. It is something we are happy with, not talking about Rooney.
"I think he is one of the best players in the world."
Ferguson has previously ruthlessly sold players for the good of the team, and this summer will certainly make things clear where Rooney's future lies.
