Real Madrid set to serve Bale free Bernabeu exit

Real Madrid appear set to let Gareth Bale leave the club for free as Zinedine Zidane prepares to fine-tune his squad despite the current campaign's suspension.

Gareth Bale and Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane Source: Getty Images

With the remainder of the 2019-20 La Liga season postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak, Zidane has already moved to make room for next season and it's believed Bale could be the first to go.

Zidane's relationship with the Welshman has long been in question, but after the club were said to have pulled the pin on a potential July deal with Jiangsu Suning, it seems they will now stand behind their manager's latest decision. 

Marca report that Zidane is reluctant to hold onto the 30-year-old - who has two years remaining on his current contract - and will therefore waive any transfer fee for those interested.

An absence of a transfer fee would rid Real of any issues offloading Bale once the current campaign comes to a close, and allow clubs greater financial flexibility when negotiating his £15.5 million (A$31 million) salary.

The club's reported willingness to part ways with the winger is also aided by the fact he will soon occupy a non-EU spot once Brexit becomes a reality in January.

Such a slew of reasons supporting Bale's expendability is only enhanced by the emergence of Vinicius Jr, a poor run of form since September and only three appearances since the turn of the year.

And despite a decorated career at the Bernabeu, featuring four UEFA Champions League triumphs, a La Liga title and over a century of goals, it appears Bale's time in Spain is set to come to an end.