Lineker: It’s Bale’s final bye to Real

GARETH BALE’S injury history could be a turn-off for Premier League teams eyeing a summer move for the Real Madrid star.

But if the £85million Welshman can get fit and stay fit, says BT Sport presenter Gary Lineker, he’s still a massive talent who will leave Real Madrid a better player than when he arrived at the Bernabeu in 2013.

Lineker, himself a La Liga star during his three seasons at Barcelona between 1986 and 1989, believes Bale – 29 in July – could be on the move this summer, with Manchester United continually linked with the former Spurs star.

Bale (bottom) is hoping to start against Liverpool in Saturday’s Champions League final in Kiev – with his confidence sky-high after a superb El Clasico goal against Barcelona a fortnight ago.

But whatever happens, Lineker (inset) believes Bale’s time in Spain will be viewed as top drawer.

“He has done terrifically well there and won pretty much everything,” said Lineker.

“A lot will depend on what happens in the Champions League final and to his manager Zinedine Zidane.

“Bale’s confidence would certainly have been boosted by his recent performances, but it looks like he is set to leave Real Madrid. “It will be interesting to see who jumps in for him because he has a massive amount of talent if you can get him out on the pitch. And going abroad has improved him – even though he was brilliant in his last couple of seasons at Tottenham. He is a wonderful footballer and a great talent.

“The only question marks are about his fitness and keeping him playing.

“This season hasn’t been his best, but that’s largely down to the fact that he’s just not been 100 per cent fit.

“But in his first season at Madrid when he did play a great number of games, he was a complete success.”

After scoring a superb goal against La Liga champions Barca in the final El Clasico of the season to earn Madrid a 2-2 draw, Bale will be hoping for a start against Liverpool.

Lineker said: “He’s played well in the last two or three games and scored a couple of great goals.

“He’s generally not started in Champions League games of late. “But then he’s been struggling with his fitness.

“A fully-fit Bale would be hard to leave out.”

Despite their huge Euro history and going for a third straight Champions League title, Lineker believes the current Madrid side are coming to the end of their shelf life.

And he’s confident that, if they hold their nerve, Liverpool can win in Kiev.

“I think the way Liverpool play will suit them against Real Madrid, especially the front three,” he added.

“The way Madrid have defended this season it’s hard to see them containing Liverpool.

“I think they might play slightly differently. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were a bit more cautious with counterattacking football.

“Liverpool are dynamic and if the players aren’t overwhelmed by the occasion, which can happen to teams, they have a brilliant opportunity.”