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How Gareth Bale advisers responded when asked about Tottenham and Man Utd transfer links
GARETH BALE has been transfer-listed by Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane - and his representatives were reportedly coy when asked about potential moves to Manchester United and Tottenham this summer.
Gareth Bale needs to finish his career ‘on a high’ says pundit
Bale was eased out of first-team duties last season as he failed to fill the large boots Cristiano Ronaldo vacated at Bernabeu.
The player has been accused of never adapting to Madrid life - still failing to speak the language competently and missing team meals because of the time his team-mates go out.
Although the player’s preference is seemingly to stay in the Spanish capital, where he resides with his three children and wife, Zidane revealed on Saturday the forward is close to leaving.
"We hope he leaves soon,” the French tactician said. “It would be best for everyone. We are working on his transfer to a new team.
"I have nothing personal against him, but there comes a time where things are done because they must be done."
Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett responded to AFP: “Zidane is a disgrace - he shows no respect for a player that has done so much for Real Madrid.”
Bale has scored 102 goals in 231 appearances for Real and played pivotal roles in two of the four Champions League final wins he has experienced with the club.
Before joining Real Madrid from Tottenham for £85million in 2013, Bale was close to joining David Moyes at Manchester United.
The 30-year-old has been linked with both his former club and United once more this summer.
Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol claims the player will only leave Real Madrid, with whom he has three years remaining on his contract, if the move suits his family life.
When his advisers were asked whether moves to United, Spurs and Bayern Munich were possible they refused to comment but did say “there could be a surprise this summer”.
Zidane added further clarity to the personal situation between him and Bale when pressed at his press conference.
Gareth Bale will only leave Real Madrid if it’s the right move for him & his family.
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) July 21, 2019
Provisional discussions have been held with clubs which could see him move this summer. His advisers won’t comment on links to Bayern, Spurs & Man Utd but “there could be a surprise this summer”
Bale: 'It would be better if he leaves tomorrow' says Zidane
He explained: “It is not personal at all: there comes a time when things are done because they have to be done.
“I have to take the decision and we have to change. [The situation] will change.
“I don’t know if in 24 or 48 hours, but it will change. And that’s good for everyone.
“I am the coach and I speak to the club and we have to take the decision.
“The exit is the coach’s [decision] and the player’s too; he knows the situation, so let’s see how we resolve this.”