Bale to stay at Real as China move called off

Gareth Bale’s proposed move to Chinese club Jiangsu Suning has fallen through and the Wales international is set to remain at Real Madrid.

Bale had been expected to sign a three-year deal worth a reported £1million a week but it is understood the move is off.

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has made it clear he was not Bale’s biggest fan and the player’s injury record – he has made just 79 Laliga starts in the last four seasons – did not help his cause.

Last week Zidane said Bale, pictured, was “very close to leaving” and his exit would be “best for everyone” after omitting him from their pre-season friendly against Bayern Munich.

“He wasn’t included in the squad because the club is working on his departure and that’s why he didn’t play,” Zidane said.

“Let’s hope, for everyone’s sake, that it happens soon. The club is dealing with the club that he’ll move to. It’s nothing personal. There comes a time when things are done because they need to be done. We have to make decisions and change things, that’s all there is to it. You’re aware of the situation and there’ll be a change to it. I don’t know if this will happen in 24 or 48 hours’ time.

“The situation will change and it’s for the best for everyone. That’s how things go.”

Bale moved from Tottenham to Real Madrid in 2013 in a then world-record £85 million deal and has helped the club win the Champions League four times

Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett had labelled Zidane a “disgrace” over the handling of his client and maintained any transfer will be done in the best interests of the Welshman.