Bale gets Real lifeline, Martial future in doubt

GARETH BALE'S Real Madrid career has been given a lifeline because of one thing Julen Lopetegui can do that Zinedine Zidane couldn't.

Bale (caricature) hinted at a departure following the Champions League final after a frustrating season in Spain.

He struggled with injury at the start of the season but was then left on the bench when fit and was a sub for the final against Liverpool.

He came on to score two goals – one the incredible overhead kick – and then sent a warning to the club about his playing time.

And changes have already been made at the club with Zidane resigning and being replaced by Lopetegui.

It has already that Bale is now to stay and pects to be given a lifeline but Express Sport can r eveal the reason why.

Bale feels more comfortable in his position because Lopetegui can speak Engl i sh, emerged happy ex- whereas Zidane couldn't.

Bale tried to learn Spanish when he first moved to the Bernabeu but has made little progress despite being there since 2013 and winning four European Cups.

But Lopetegui will be able to converse with him in English after taking over this week following his dismissal as Spain manager.

Lopetegui, 51, nearly took the Wolves job in 2016 before getting the Spain gig and starts his role as Madrid boss now.

He has big decisions to make over Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have both flirted with a change of scenery, and with Neymar on president Florentino Perez's radar.

Mohamed Salah has also been linked with Madrid, but is likely to stay at Liverpool for at least another season.

Bale's future will be quicker to sort due to him not being at the World Cup and Jose Mourinho is still watching the situation closely.

Manchester United are ready to make their move if it is indicated Bale is available, but they are also tracking Willian and would be keen on Neymar if a deal was possible.

Manchester United have already signed Fred and Diogo Dalot and are working on deals for defenders, but would be willing to buy a game-changer in attack if one of the elite options were available.

Anthony Martial's future remains in doubt following his agent's claims last week and he would likely to be sold if either Bale, Ronaldo, Neymar or Willian came in.

Martial is keen to leave already but United want him to stay until they have another option in the door and have been in talks over a new deal.

Martial though is keen to quit for a new challenge and more first team chances.

Last week his agent Philippe Lamboley told "After thinking about all t h e possibilities and scenarios, Anthony wants to leave Manchester United.

"There are many scenarios. For now, it's premature to talk about it. Anthony will speak later to explain all of this.” – Express Newspapers