Wednesday 7 January 2015 15:29, UK
Gareth Bale is happy at Real Madrid and the club are not prepared to sell him, says Guillem Balague.
Sky Sports’ Spanish football expert was responding to a newspaper report which stated Real would be prepared to let the Wales winger go to Manchester United for £120million.
Red Devils manager Louis van Gaal refused to answer questions on Bale over the festive period, sparking rumours of an imminent world-record bid, but Balague is adamant neither Real or Bale want a deal to go through.
“Real Madrid insist he is not for sale,” he said. “The player and his entourage insist he is happy and he only really just arrived at Madrid.
“He has to improve, the defensive work has to be more efficient, but having to improve doesn’t mean leaving a club.”
Club president Florentino Perez said last week there had been no offers for Bale and insisted the 25-year-old is very much part of the club’s plans.
"Just as I can't imagine Real Madrid without Cristiano Ronaldo, I can't imagine Real without Bale either," Perez said
"Bale is a key player. He has already done so much for the team and is a key part of our club's future.
"Every club knows that Gareth Bale will never leave Real Madrid and that the club will not discuss their star, no matter how much is offered."
Bale told Spanish newspaper Marca last week that he has no plans to leave the Bernabeu any time soon.
The winger has four-and-a-half years left on his contract but left the door open for an even longer stint in the Spanish capital.
Bale said: "Manchester United? I'm happy in Madrid. I love the city, the weather and the club. I'm eager to win more silverware here."
"I have a contract with Real Madrid until 2019 and could remain for more years after the end of it."
