Zidane and Bale
Gareth Bale could be set for a free transfer to China after Shanghai Shenhua reignited their interest in signing the Welsh star, following another break down in his relationship with Zinedine Zidane.
It appeared that the two had patched up their differences during the summer after an initial move to the Chinese Super League had been scuppered in its final stages.
But Bale is believed to be angry at being left out of Real’s match day squad for their clash with Club Brugge without explanation; and the 30-year-old has instructed his agent to secure him a transfer away from Bernabeu in January.
Real are understood to be keen on trimming Bale’s hefty wage from their finances and would be willing to allow the star to leave for free.
Despite Zidane confirming that Bale’s absence had been due to a potential risk of injury, the former Tottenham man believed he was being punished by the club legend, according to Marca.
And the same publication has stated that clubs in Europe are hesitant to swoop in amid concerns over Bale’s injury record, leaving a switch to China increasingly likely.
Shenhua were close to signing the mercurial wide-man in July after offering him a substantial financial package, but the club was reluctant to meet Real’s valuation of between £25-34 million.
A fortnight before Shenhua had attempted to sign Bale, Jiangsu Suning were close to finalising their transfer negotiations with the player.
But the deal was again scuppered by the Spanish side’s demand for a fee.