Gareth Bale’s representative dismisses ‘stupid’ Manchester United link

Real Madrid are assured of keeping hold of Gareth Bale for the summer after his agent branded the transfer speculation as both ‘ridiculous’ and ‘stupid’. The Wales international endured a tough spell last term shrouded by injuries, but he still managed nine goals in 27 appearances.

The 28-year-old has been hugely successful during his four-year spell at Los Blancos with three Champions League crowns and a La Liga title to his name. Despite this, he has been associated with a potential exit from the Bernabeu with Real Madrid seemingly hot on the trail of Monaco wonderkid Kylian Mbappe.

On top of this, manager Zinedine Zidane refused to rule out his exit earlier this week, and this had further intensified rumours of him making a Premier League return with Manchester United this summer. Speaking to BBC Sport, Jonathan Barnett clarified his client’s stance at Madrid as he dismissed the ongoing link, he said: “It’s a ridiculous, stupid story.”

Bale had been regarded as Los Blancos’ second most valuable player after Cristiano Ronaldo, but his importance reduced during the course of the previous campaign due to injuries. In his absence, Zidane adapted for a new 4-2-3-1 formation, and this allowed Isco to make the most of his opportunities in the starting lineup.

The Spaniard’s form in the final stages of the campaign was so good that he was picked ahead of the Welshman for the Champions League final against Juventus, which Los Blancos won by a comfortable 4-1 scoreline. Real Madrid take on Barcelona in an unofficial friendly on Saturday, and Bale will seek to put up a performance with Cristiano Ronaldo offered an extended break.

Ronaldo is expected to return before the two-legged Spanish Super Cup tie against their El Clasico rivals next month, and Bale may have a point to prove in the Miami friendly after the squad suffered a 4-1 thumping at the hands of Manchester City earlier this week.

Image – Getty