Gareth Bale ‘loves’ Real Madrid - he’s going nowhere says his agent

Gareth Bale is staying at the Bernabeu. That’s the message from the Real Madrid player’s agent, who has responded to recent rumours that the Welsh winger is poised to return to the Premier League this summer.

In conversation with ESPN, Bale’s representative Jonathan Barnett was asked about the gossip surrounding his client. Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham had all been previously mentioned as possible destinations.

“Gareth is a Real Madrid player and loves Real Madrid and Real Madrid love Gareth,” Barnett replied. “All this talk about leaving is written by reporters who have no idea what is going on and who need to write something and don’t care if it is true or not.”

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Nonetheless, there have been indications in recent months from Spain that Real would be open to offers for the 28-year-old Bale, whose injury record has severely limited his game time in the last 18 months.

After Saturday’s 1-1 derby draw with Atletico Madrid, the Welshman was sharply criticised by former Real manager Jorge Valdano, who snarled that “nothing that Bale does is worth €100m”.

Last week it was reported by the Daily Express that Real Madrid were set to offer Bale in part-exchange for Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.