The writing has long been on the wall for Gareth Bale.
Zinedine Zidane wanted him gone from Real Madrid before the previous transfer window closed, but a move did not materialise.
But as the January window approaches, Bale is reportedly ready to leave.
TOP STORY – GARETH WANTS TO BALE
Gareth Bale wants to leave Real Madrid in January amid links to the Chinese Super League, according to Cadena Ser.
Bale was poised to make a shock switch to China after being told to move on by Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane, though the Welshman remained at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, Bale is reportedly desperate for a January exit and wants Madrid to listen to offers from the CSL.
ROUND-UP
– According to Calciomercato, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has offered himself to former club Juventus. Bologna have confirmed their interest in the LA Galaxy striker, whose contract is set to expire. A-League team Perth Glory want to bring the 38-year-old to Australia. Ibrahimovic spent two years at Juventus, however, the Serie A champions are reportedly not prepared to bring back the veteran as they look to trim their squad in January.
– Roma are close to reaching an agreement with Manchester United for on-loan defender Chris Smalling. Calciomercato reports the Serie A side are preparing to present a €17million (£14.6m) offer for the Englishman.
– William Saliba is yet to play a match for Arsenal but he could already be on the move. Saliba signed for the Gunners in July before he was immediately loaned back to Saint-Etienne for the 2019-20 season. However, Defensa Central claims Real Madrid are eyeing the 18-year-old French defender. Monaco’s Benoit Badiashile and Boubacar Kamara of Marseille are also on the list to potentially replace Raphael Varane.
– The Telegraph says Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana is a target for clubs in the Chinese Super League and MLS. Lallana is out of contract at the end of the season.
– Ronald Koeman dominates the frontpage of Monday’s SPORT newspaper. The Netherlands boss is heavily linked to Barcelona having revealed a release clause in his contract, and amid growing pressure on head coach Ernesto Valverde .
– Former Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri and ex-Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta are among the candidates to replace Unai Emery should the Gunners sack the Spaniard, according to the Mirror. Allegri has also been linked to Bayern Munich and Manchester United, while Arteta is serving as Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City assistant. Jose Mourinho has also reportedly emerged as an option.
