Coach Zinedine Zidane said in the early hours of yesterday morning that Real Madrid wants to part ways with Gareth Bale, six years after they broke a world transfer record to sign the Wales winger.

Zidane said following a friendly in Houston, Texas, that he expects Madrid to conclude a transfer for Bale to another club “in the coming days.”

“We’ll have to see if it goes through tomorrow, if it does then all the better,” Zidane said. “Let’s hope, for everyone’s sake, that it happens soon. The club is dealing with the club that he’ll move to.”

Zidane made the comments after Bale did not play in the 3-1 loss to Bayern Munich in a pre-season game.

Madrid paid a then-record transfer of €100 million (then £85m) to sign Bale from Tottenham in 2013.

Bale went on to help Madrid win four Champions League titles, one Spanish league, one Copa del Rey and several minor trophies.

He also scored some spectacular goals, including a memorable bicycle kick for the first of his two goals in the 2018 Champions League final victory over Liverpool.

But he has been injury prone and been criticised by Madrid fans for often underperforming during stretches of the season.

“It’s nothing personal. There comes a time when things are done because they need to be done,” Zidane said. “The situation will change and it’s for the best for everyone.”