Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has confirmed that Gareth Bale is on the verge of leaving the club this summer, with a deal possible in the next ‘24 or 48 hours’.
Zidane has made it clear that Bale is not part of his plans since returning as manager despite the Welshman winning him his third Champions League almost single-handedly with a stunning brace in the 2017/18 final.
Bale, 30, has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, with both Manchester United and Tottenham thought to be interested, but the forward’s astronomical wage demands are proving to be a huge stumbling block.
However, Zidane insists the former Spurs star could be set for the exit door at the Bernabeu in the coming days.
Asked why Bale was left out of Madrid’s squad following their 3-1 defeat to Bayern Munich on Saturday, Zidane replied: ‘Bale did not play because he is very close to leaving.
‘We’ll have to see what happens in the coming days. We’ll have to see if it goes through tomorrow, if it does then all the better.
‘We hope he leaves soon, 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, I have to make decisions, we have to change.
‘The exit is the coach’s decision, and also of the player, who knows the situation.
‘The situation will change, I do not know if in 24 or 48 hours, but it will, and it’s a good thing for everyone.’
Madrid’s opponents on Saturday, Bayern, have been named as a potential club for Bale and Thiago Alcantara would welcome the Wales international with open arms.
‘If Gareth wants to come, any top player who wants to come here is welcome,’ the Spaniard said ahead of Bayern’s win.
MORE: Unai Emery prepared to be ‘patient’ as Arsenal close in on William Saliba transfer deal
