Gareth Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett has called transfer speculation surrounding the player’s departure “ridiculous” and “stupid”.
The Real Madrid forward has been linked with a move to Manchester United, after Jose Mourinho hugged and joked about signing the winger last Sunday.
Before United’s 2-1 win on penalties over Madrid, Mourinho said to Bale: “I can’t buy you because you don’t talk to me”.
The rumours are intensifying, as Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane refused to rule out the Welsh winger leaving the club
The Frenchman said: “I hope everyone remains. I want everyone who is here now to stay.
“But anything can happen right up until August 31.”
However, Bale’s agent remains insistent that the speculation is nothing but talk.
Real’s reported £161m bid for Kylian Mbappe sparked further rumours that one of the BBC, Benzema, Bale or Cristiano Ronaldo could be on their way out of the Spanish capital.
United had a chance of signing Bale in 2007 when the youngster was plying his trade at full-back for Southampton.
Instead the Welsh winger moved to Tottenham, where he grew into the forward role.
The Red Devils had another opportunity to recruit the 28-year-old, but were outbid with a then world-record fee of £85m by Real Madrid.
Despite spending the majority of last season on the physio table, Bale has still managed to win an impressive three Champions League medals in his four years with the Galacticos.
Regardless of the comments of his agent, Mourinho – who is a great admirer of the forward – will continue to keep both eyes open on the Welshman’s movements.
Have you signed up to play fantasy football yet?
If the answer is no you need to take a long, hard look at yourself.
Because the Dream Team game – the UK’s biggest fantasy football game – is back and better than ever this season.
You’ve got a £50m budget to pick 11 players, with all the biggest new signings ready and raring to go ahead of a mouthwatering new Premier League campaign.
So what are you waiting for? Sign up to play now!