Transfer News: Zinedine Zidane claims Gareth Bale IS close to leaving Real Madrid
Daily MailZinedine Zidane stepped up his attempt to force Gareth Bale out of Real Madrid this summer by leaving him in the stands for the club's first pre-season friendly and declaring - the sooner he goes the better. Zidane gave 22 players a run-out with 11 playing the first half and 11 in the second period against Bayern Munich but Bale was sent to the stands in a power play designed to force the player's camp to find a new home for the Welshman as soon as possible. Gareth Bale is close to leaving Real Madrid, according to manager Zinedine Zidane The Welshman was left out of Real Madrid's pre-season defeat by Bayern Munich in Houston Asked if that meant Bale, who has been linked with moves to China and Manchester United, will depart from Real Madrid imminently or if it was just his intention to leave him out all summer he said: 'I'm not going to get into that. His form and fitness have been good in the first week of Real Madrid's North America tour but Zidane made his point in the most obvious way possible.