It appears as though there is no way back for Gareth Bale at Real Madrid.
The Welshman has continually made it clear he wants to stay at the Bernabeu, where he has won four Champions League titles in six years.
But Bale is not in Zinedine Zidane’s plans and the Real boss confirmed on Saturday he was hoping that the 30-year-old would leave the club imminently.
Bale’s agent, Jonathan Barnett, has since branded Zidane as ‘disgrace’ for his treatment of the former Tottenham star and confirmed he is working on getting his client a move away from the Spanish capital.
But Bale’s sky-high wages – he earns around £600,000 per week – means few clubs will be able to afford him.
So, where next for the forward? talkSPORT.com takes a look at the likely destinations for Bale, including bookmakers’ odds.
Tottenham
A return to Spurs has been mooted, although this appeared to be shut down by his agent earlier this week.
Amid rumours Daniel Levy was working on a deal to bring Bale back to the club, Barnett told talkSPORT: “I don’t comment on rubbish.”
However, Barnett’s comments came before Zidane’s bombshell statement on wanting Bale out of Real Madrid – so his stance could now change.
Spurs are unlikely to get anywhere near Bale’s current salary, but a loan move could suit all parties. Tottenham are a best-priced 16/1 (Bet365) to be next Bale’s next club.
Bayern Munich
This is a move that makes complete sense. The German giants are one of the few clubs who could afford to get anywhere near Bale’s current salary and are also in need of another wide forward, with Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery both having departed at the end of last season.
Speaking earlier this week, Bayern midfielder Thiago Alcantara said he would welcome the Wales international to the Allianz Arena with open arms as he is a ‘top player’ who would strengthen the squad.
Bayern are a best-priced 3/1 (Paddy Power) to be Bale’s next destination.
Manchester United
Bale has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford and would be a statement signing from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who is overseeing player overhaul this summer.
However, Solskjaer has stressed that he wants to build an energetic, young squad and having brought in two hot prospects, Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, a move for Bale would represent a huge shift in strategy.
Real Madrid, though, are eager to sign Paul Pogba – so could a swap deal be on?
United are a best-priced 9/1 (Bet365) to be Bale’s next club.
Any Chinese Super League club
China continues to make a big play to bring Europe’s top talent to the country and Bale would be a stellar signing for any Super League club. Unlike with most clubs across Europe, Bale’s staggeringly high wages will not be a problem for most Far East sides.
A Chinese Super League side to be Bale’s next club is a best-priced 2/1 (BetFair).
Adrian Durham talks about Gareth Bale’s future at Real Madrid
Paris Saint-Germain
The French giants have not shown an interest in Bale in the past but that could change, with Neymar set for the exit.
PSG have the funds to do a deal and, should Neymar get his move back to Barcelona, they will likely want to bring in another forward.
Bale’s Champions League experience could appeal to PSG as they remain desperate to win the competition after so many disappointing early exits.
The French giants are best-priced at 20/1 to be Bale’s next club (William Hill).
*Odds taken from OddsChecker using various bookmakers and correct at time of writing. Prices may have since changed.
