Gareth Bale decides to stay at Real Madrid following Julen Lopetegui’s appointment

Real Madrid star Gareth Bale is keen to work with Julen Lopetegui and is now ‘happy’ to stay at the club next season.

The Welshman admitted after his two-goal display in Madrid’s Champions League final win against Liverpool that he would consider his future at the club after falling down the pecking order under Zinedine Zidane.

However, Zidane shocked the Madrid hierarchy by announcing his decision to step down earlier this month and he’s been replaced by former Spain boss Lopetegui.

Lopetegui won over the Madrid players in his Spain squad and they have reported back to Bale that he will be a good fit at the Bernabeu.

Manchester United were encouraged by Bale’s comments after the final but ESPN report he’s now happy to stay in Spain.

Lopetegui is a huge admirer of Isco so Bale’s problems at the club could persist and the Welshman could raise as much as £100m in the transfer market.

United will not give up on their interest and will be ready to sign Bale should Madrid sanction his departure but it appears they’re set for disappointment again.