Real Madrid Star, Garrett Bale becomes the lynchpin in Pogba’s move to Madrid

The rumours that Paul Pogba would leave Manchester United for Real Madrid have been nearly as ubiquitous as the ones about Gareth Bale’s imminent and inevitable departure from the Bernabeu. And now it seems the two moves are also inextricably linked.

AS is reporting that for primarily financial reasons Real could only afford to bring Pogba to Madrid if Los Blancos are able to offload Bale’s hefty annual salary and cash in on his reported market value of €50-60 million, roughly half of the €100m Spurs collected when they sold the Welshman in 2013.

Meanwhile, Sky Sports cites sources that “Bale to be tempted away from Madrid, possibly an offer that would come close to making him the highest-paid player in the world.” Following?

And just to add some extra spice to the saga, there’s been no shortage of drama during Madrid’s preseason tour of the U.S., with manager Zinedine Zidanesaying Bale needs to leave the club and Bale’s agent hitting back at the French manager by calling his comments a disgrace.

Buckle up folks, this should be quite a ride as the summer window rumbles on

The Wales international’s agent Jonathan Barnett maintains that Bale remains “happy” at Madrid despite being frozen out by coach Zinedine Zidane. Spanish media reports claimed Jiangsu Suning was his most likely destination, with an immediate loan to their ‘sister club’ Inter Milan a possibility, but Barnett played down any talk of a move.

“All this frenzy is unbelievable,” he told ESPN FC on Tuesday. “Gareth is a Real player. End of story.” Barnett admitted that it was “unlikely” that Bale will play against Arsenal in Tuesday’s ICC clash with Arsenal in Washington DC, but he replied “ask Zidane” when asked how long the situation can continue with the 30 year old not being considered for selection.

Real Madrid would be willing to let Gareth Bale leave this summer to go to China for free, as they look to unblock a tense situation at the Bernabeu, a source at the club has told ESPN FC.