Gareth Bale's agent rubbishes talk of Madrid exit
Jonathan Barnett, the Welshman's representative, dismissed the possibility of Bale joining Manchester United in an interview with the BBC.
"I hope the BBC stay for this season. I hope everyone remains. I want everyone who is here now to stay... but anything can happen right up until August 31."
Those were the words of Zinedine Zidane after Real Madrid fell to a 1-4 defeat to Manchester City in Los Angeles.
Bale's agent rubbishes rumours
BBC Sport asked Jonathan Barnett, Bale’s agent, about the possibility of the Welshman leaving the Bernabéu. Barnett’s response was unequivocal: “It’s a ridiculous, stupid story”.
Jose Mourinho has fed speculation over Bale’s possible exit from the club he joined from Tottenham in 2013. “I can’t buy you because you don’t speak,” the Manchester United manager told Bale as he began his warm-up at the LA Memorial Coliseum.
Mourinho has also been open about his interest in Bale in front of the media. “I’m open to reinforcing my squad,” he stated on Tuesday. Meanwhile, reports in the French media add credence to the notion that Bale’s position at Madrid is, despite Zidane’s assurances, precarious. “Madrid assure Mbappé that one of the BBC will leave,” opened L’Équipe on June 24.
Zidane reveals little on Mbappé
According to the same source, Florentino Peréz and Zinedine Zidane met with Mbappé and his family. When asked about the Monaco striker, Zidane responded in an open manner: “I haven’t asked for a striker, but between now and August 31 anything can happen.”