Bale, 130 million to start negotiations

Real Madrid will enter into negotiations for Gareth Bale, but only if they involve offers of 130 million or more. That is the starting price that the Spanish club has attached to the Welsh forward, who may be looking at his final few weeks in a white jersey. The club has said they value him highly, but his agent is playing hard to get it seems.

The objectives of Madrid are clear. Hazard, Pogba, Eriksen ... the list is extensive. Not cheap, by the way. For that reason, the club is conscious that squad renovations must be made ahead of next season. There will be big departures as well as big signings. In the case of Bale, one of the most high-profile.

There was a lot of pressure placed on him early after Cristiano Ronaldo's departure, which cleared the way for the Welshman.

38 games, 27 starts, 14 goals and five assists. This is the numerical value of Bale's season, although Zidane did not confirm whether another one would be assured. He was largely used as a substitute for most of the 2017-18 season and his dressing room relationships weren't strong, perhaps contributing to a lack of support from Zidane.

Madrid is aware that to ask for 130 million is a lot but in today's market it is not surprising. Age is on Bale's side but the salary and the history of injuries are not. Bale earns around 30 million a year, an amount that very few teams can match. In England - especially United- they are keeping a close eye on him.

If he does leave, Bale will do so with 14 titles under his belt: four Champions, one League, one Cup, one Spanish Super Cup, three European Super Cups and four Club World Cups. He also claims unforgettable goals in finals (2014 Cup, Champions League the same year or in Kiev, in 18). However, the issue that remains is that he never really met the lofty expectations attributed to him.