Manchester United rumours and news: Gareth Bale, Felipe Anderson and Oumar Niasse linked with moves to Old Trafford

Gareth Bale looking to exit after Rafael Benitez sacking; Felipe Anderson's price drop; Oumar Niasse turning heads; Marouane Fellaini going nowhere, for now; Jose Mourinho frustrated

Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale (Getty Images)

Remember the noughties? Well, Rafael Benitez’s misfortunes have handed Manchester United an advantage again.

It turns out that the Spaniard’s unceremonious dismissal from Real Madrid, confirmed yesterday, may well have made Ed Woodward’s attempts to sign wing wizard Gareth Bale a whole lot easier.

The most expensive footballer in world history is, according to The Times, “intensely disappointed” by the departure of Benitez. Bale enjoyed a close working relationship with the former Liverpool manager and reportedly felt that the team were “moving in the right direction”.

Old Trafford officials have, over the course of the last few weeks, been trying to establish the framework of any potential deal, although any move would most likely be completed in the summer, rather than during the current transfer window.

Elsewhere, we have the daily Felipe Anderson round-up. Lazio’s attacking midfielder has been linked with a move away from Serie A ever since last summer, when reports emerged of United having two offers turned down.

His indifferent form this season has not seen the speculation cease but it might just bring his asking price down. That, at least, is the suggestion of Gazetta dello Sport, who say the player may now be available for around £37m.

Lokomotiv Moscow striker Oumar Niasse’s Old Trafford suitability is being talked up.

The Guardian report that the 25-year-old, who has scored 12 goals and provided 10 assists for his club side this season, is also being monitored by Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, Newcastle United and Aston Villa.

That’s almost a third of the Premier League, meaning we’re likely to hear his name crop up a few more times over the course of the next month.

Onto the outgoing and, as revealed by our chief football correspondent Mark Ogden, Marouane Fellaini will not be moving on loan to Milan, despite the Serie A club’s advances.

The Belgium international may have falling down the pecking order under Louis van Gaal but he remains part of his manager’s plans, mostly as an auxiliary striker.

The former Standard Liege and Everton battering ram will have to wait until the end of the season before assessing his options.

Finally, way from the playing side of things, Jose Mourinho is apparently becoming more and more frustrated by the lack of movement regarding the United job, according to ESPN.

Van Gaal’s time at the club was thought to be all but over during the Christmas period, but a slight upturn in form has earned the Dutchman a stay of execution.

Mourinho, who has long coveted the Old Trafford job, has instructed his representatives to “investigate other options” as Woodward and co. are keen to give the incumbent coach time to turn things around.