Gareth Bale transfer latest and odds: Chinese Super League clubs favourites to sign Welshman from Real Madrid, PSG in the running
Gareth Bale is on his way out of Real Madrid after six years and Bayern Munich and PSG are in the running behind China for his next destination, according to Sky Bet.
The Welsh forward appears to be on his way out of the Bernabeu after Zinedine Zidane claimed the La Liga giants are in talks with an unnamed club about completing a transfer.
Zidane, whose side were beaten 3-1 by Bayern in a pre-season friendly on Sunday, said in quotes reported on Real's official website: "He wasn't included in the squad because the club is working on his departure and that's why he didn't play.
Let's hope, for everyone's sake, that it happens soon. The situation will change and it's for the best for everyone."
Zidane's comments about the four-time Champions League winner did not go down well in the player's camp though, with Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett telling ESPN FC: "Zidane is a disgrace to speak like that about someone who has done so much for Real.
"If and when Gareth goes it will be because it is in the best interest of Gareth and nothing to do with Zidane pushing."
Barnett said earlier this summer that if Bale was to leave the Spanish capital, then a loan move 'is not going to happen', so we have taken a look at the possible destinations, with odds from Sky Bet...
Gareth Bale's next club in summer 2019 (via Sky Bet)
Any Chinese Super League club - 5/6
A destination where clubs could not only afford his wages, but could significantly increase them too.
One unnamed club were even willing to offer the 30-year-old a staggering £1.2m per week, according to reports earlier this month.
According to The Independent, Bale's Madrid team-mates feel the club is trying to push him towards the Far East, but it has been previously reported how Bale would only leave the club if one of Europe's big sides come calling.
At this stage in his career, China may not be for him or his family.
Bayern Munich - 3/1
One of Europe's biggest sides, who would not be interested in a move to Bayern Munich?
With Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben departing the Bundesliga champions at the end of last season, it is a changing of the guard in Munich and a big name like Bale would help ease the loss of two key wing men.
There has been a lot of talk of Bale's relationship with his Real team-mates, but that has not put off players in Germany, with Thiago Alcantara saying Bale would be 'welcome' in Bavaria.
The midfielder recently admitted: "It's very simple, for me, any top player who wants to come and play at a top club like Bayern Munich, who wants to contribute, they are welcome here.
"We will have the door open to you.
"Robben, Ribery and Bale play in similar positions on the field and we lost Robben and Ribery in our midfield, two historic members of this club.
"If Gareth (Bale) wants to come, any top player who wants to come here is welcome."
While Bayern are undoubtedly a huge institution, it remains to be seen whether they could finance a player with the wage demands of Bale, who currently earns around £600,000-a-week at Real.
Furthermore, Bayern boss Niko Kovac recently tried to cool talk of the Welshman arriving, Kovac gave a 'firm "no" when asked' about Bale, according to Sport.
The Croatian said: "I believe he's a good player, just as I find many other players to be good. He might leave to play elsewhere. I don't know where exactly or what he is thinking. Let's see what happens."
PSG - 8/1
The Ligue 1 giants have a wantaway attacker in Neymar and a swap for Bale is not the worst proposition - and his odds are shortening having been at 14/1 earlier on Sunday to join PSG.
Neymar wants a Barca return but you could easily see him in the famous white strip at the Bernabeu, in a team with Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic and numerous other world stars.
With Neymar out of the picture, you would expect PSG to be able to afford Bale's wages and in return they get a quality player.
According to The Independent, Neymar's representatives have been trying to force a swap deal with Madrid and this one could have legs.
Manchester United - 8/1
A club with the financial muscle to afford Bale and Manchester United do love a statement signing. How his arrival would help paper over the cracks of Paul Pogba possibly leaving.
United set the wrong precedent when they offered Alexis Sanchez £500,000-a-week to join from Arsenal in 2018, although that has reportedly been cut by £125,000 after missing out on Champions League football.
But Sanchez's original wages meant the likes of David De Gea and Pogba had new demands when entering contract talks and Bale would likely go to Old Trafford as the top earner as they look to compete at the top level again.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's squad would arguably be enhanced with Bale's addition and it has been no secret the Red Devils have wanted to sign the former Spurs man for years, so you would expect the decision to be left with the player. Could a Pogba and Bale swap be in the offing?
Tottenham - 10/1
There are no doubts that Spurs would love to bring Bale back to north London and they have shown this year that they are not frightened of getting out the chequebook.
The Champions League runners up shelled out a club-record £55.5 million for Tanguy NDombele and it could take another staggering price to secure Bale's signature, although the fact Madrid want rid helps lower the overall price slightly.
The main issue would be Bale's wage demands. Spurs chief Daniel Levy has done well to keep their wage structure relatively low in comparison to their rivals and Bale's figures would be way above what they are willing to pay him each week, so this would be more surprising than the other options.
Sporting Life verdict
A move to Paris Saint-Germain makes sense, in the interest of all involved, and especially if Neymar goes the other way: Madrid get Bale off their books and get a ready-made Galactico in Neymar in return, while PSG offload a potentially disruptive wantaway star and get another big name with world-class quality.
Interestingly too, it has been said Kylian Mbappe wants to play a more central role in the team and this transfer would suit the French star, as he becomes the main man and sees a more than adequate replacement slot in next to him. PSG have struggled to conquer Europe since their recent rise and it is known how much they crave success in the Champions League. In Bale, they get a four-time winner of the competition.
The Welshman, however you look at his time at Madrid, was instrumental in those wins, scoring three goals in the two finals and he would bring that experience to the dressing room when it counts. As well as that, his Madrid record reads as 102 goals and 65 assists in 231 appearances which is not bad going considering his injury problems over the years, so you can understand why his agent says Bale deserves some respect.
He does not need the money in China and may want a return to the UK with his family, but Paris is pretty close to home and could offer him an exciting project at this stage in his career.
Gareth Bale - Your Say
Odds correct as of 1630 BST on 21/07/19