MANCHESTER United have hinted they may not be prepared to join any January transfer window bidding war for Saints starlet Gareth Bale.

Sir Alex Ferguson has been linked with a £7m move for the 17-year-old Welsh international left-back.

But Old Trafford chief executive David Gill, talking about his club's approach to the transfer window in general, today said: ''The money is there but traditionally we do most of our big spending in the summer and I think that will continue.

''Things may change; if there's an area in which we want to do something then we'll do it. But at the moment we don't plan to do a great deal.

''We've already brought in Henrik Larsson, while a number of the players who have been out on loan are also back at the club.''