Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Man Utd transfer news: Huge Gareth Bale blow as Real Madrid star holds 'positive' talks
MANCHESTER UNITED have been dealt a huge blow in their pursuit to sign Gareth Bale.
The Real Madrid man hinted he may be forced to leave the Spanish capital after a lack of game time under Zinedine Zidane last season.
Since that statement, in the aftermath of Los Blancos' Champions League win, the Frenchman has resigned from the club and been replaced by Julen Lopetegui.
And it now appears Bale may be sticking around at Madrid beyond the summer.
The Telegraph claim the Welshman has held 'positive talks' with Lopetegui today as the pair sat down for their first face-to-face discussions.
Bale has been told he will be a key player due to the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, who was unveiled by new club Juventus this evening.
United have been making enquiries over the availability of the 29-year-old this summer.
But Zidane's departure was a hammer blow for the Premier League outfit, who were hoping the Frenchman would remain manager.
United is Bale's most likely destination says football writer
Bale’s management are expected to hold more talks Madrid chiefs later this week but, at this stage, a move to United appears off the table.
Jose Mourinho has already strengthened his side with the arrivals of Fred, Diogo Dalot and Lee Grant.
But the United boss may now turn his attention to West Ham's Marko Arnautovic, who was heavily linked with a move to the club before the World Cup.