Toon emerging as the front-runners for Bale
NEWCASTLE United are the favourites to sign Gareth Bale from Real Madrid.
The Wales star has endured a torrid campaign in Spain, scoring just three times in only 20 appearances for Los Blancos in all competitions.
His seemingly frosty relationship with boss Zinedine Zidane has been increasingly evident of late, with Bale being an unused substitute in eight of his side’s 10 post-lockdown fixtures so far.
During his time on the sidelines, Bale has been capturing the attention of the world with antics that have included regularly posing as a golfer as well as pretending to fall asleep in the stands during a match.
Bale’s frustrations were evident during Real Madrid’s La Liga title celebrations on Thursday night as he was stood with his arms folded as his team mates hurled Zidane into the air while his embrace with the Frenchman after his side’s 2-1 triumph over Villarreal was cold to say the least.
And bookmakers in the UK unanimously believe Newcastle United could well be the club to end Bale’s struggles in the Spanish capital.
The Magpies are on the brink of a takeover that is expected to result in big sums being spent at St James’ Park, and Steve Bruce’s men are the 5/1 favourites to be Bale’s next club.
A move to any MLS or
Italian club is priced at 8/1 while Manchester United are at 10/1 to secure the services of the 31-year-old.
Oddschecker spokesperson Callum Wilson: “Things have all gone a little quiet on the Newcastle front, but these fresh reports linking them to Gareth Bale should reignite the St. James’ Park faithful.
“The proposed takeover is still in the balance, but should it go through without a hitch, the signing of Bale wouldn’t quite seem so unrealistic.”
Leading football stats site Whoscored.com revealed that Bale had a direct hand in 120 goals in 171 La Liga appearances, with 26 of those coming from the bench.
Amazingly, during his time in Spain, only five players have had a hand in more goals (Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Antoine Griezmann).
However, the Wales ace has only played 52 per cent of the minutes available over his seven seasons in La Liga.
Bale still has two years left to run on his contract with the newlycrowned La Liga champions, and his sky high wages could prove to be a stumbling block in any potential transfer. ■ Gareth Bale next club odds Newcastle United - 5/1 Any Italian club - 8/1 Any MLS club - 8/1 Tottenham - 10/1 Man United - 10/1 Juventus - 12/1 Inter Milan - 12/1 PSG - 14/1 Chelsea - 25/1 Arsenal -33/1
■ Middlesbrough v Cardiff City ■ Preston v Birmingham City ■ Queens Park Rangers v Millwall ■ Swansea City v Bristol City ■ Barnsley v Nottingham Forest
WHAT SWANSEA NEED THIS WEEKEND COOPER’S troops are currently