MX23RW : Tuesday, May 28 22:32:57| >> :60:2394:2394:

Gareth Bale 'to be handed key role at Real Madrid'

New Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui reportedly assures Manchester United target Gareth Bale that he is a major part of his plans for the upcoming season.

New Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui has reportedly assured Gareth Bale that he is a major part of his plans next season.

Bale had been linked with a move away from the Bernabeu this summer due to a lack of first-team football under Zinedine Zidane last term, with long-time admirers Manchester United interested in taking him to Old Trafford.

The Wales international poured doubt over his own future following his match-winning cameo in the Champions League final in May, suggesting that he would seek pastures new if he was not guaranteed a more substantial role in the team.

However, the Daily Mail reports that Bale has been given the reassurances he was after during showdown talks with Lopetegui, and is now happy to stay at the club.

The 29-year-old is expected to be given the chance to take centre stage following the departure of record goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Juventus in a deal worth almost £100m earlier this month.

United had reportedly been willing to significantly improve Bale's wages and offer almost £85m for the winger, although the player's preferred choice was always to stay in the Spanish capital.

ID:331347: cacheID:331347:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2685:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Toni Kroos in action for Real Madrid at the Champions League final on May 26, 2018
Read Next:
Mourinho 'insists on signing Toni Kroos'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CManchester CityMan City38287396346291
2Arsenal38285591296289
3Liverpool382410486414582
4Aston Villa382081076611568
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs382061274611366
6Chelsea381891177631463
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle381861485622360
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd38186145758-160
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham381410146074-1452
10Crystal Palace381310155758-149
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton381212145562-748
12Bournemouth38139165467-1348
13Fulham38138175561-647
14Wolverhampton WanderersWolves38137185065-1546
15Everton38139164051-1140
16Brentford38109195665-939
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3899204967-1832
RLuton TownLuton3868245285-3326
RBurnley3859244178-3724
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd38372835104-6916


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!