Saints have confirmed they have turned down one bid, believed to be from United, for the 17-year-old left-back who last year also became Wales’ youngest international.

Tottenham, Liverpool, Arsenal and even Real Madrid are also thought to keeping tabs on Bale, who has 18 months left on his current contract.

But Burley insists his prized asset is going nowhere, at least until the summer.

“Was that for his right foot or his left foot?” asked Burley when quizzed about the rejected bid.

“The club are desperate to keep hold of Gareth for as long as possible and Gareth has no thoughts about leaving the club at the moment so the situation hasn’t changed.

“I’ve spoken to his parents twice and no-one has any thoughts about Gareth leaving this month. Nothing has changed. I’ve said from day one that he will be here until the end of the season – and hopefully longer – so there’s no change as far as that’s concerned.”

A one-year contract extension – the maximum Southampton are allowed to offer a player of Bale’s age – remains unsigned and Burley admits talks have been shelved until the summer, by which time his value may have dropped.

But Burley is banking on Bale making his inevitable step up to the Barclays Premiership with Saints, who are currently fifth in the Championship and looking good for at least a play-off place.

“In the summer the club, Gareth and everyone will sit down and talk about it but not before,” added the Scot.

“At the moment the contract is going to be left until the summer by which time we’ll know where we are.

“We’ll look at it at the end of the season just like any club would but he certainly won’t be leaving at the moment.

“You’re always going to get speculation but when I say he’s staying until the summer I hope people will believe me.”