Gareth bales out to LA in the MLS
Gareth Bale has agreed to join Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC on an initial one- year deal when his contract with Real Madrid expires.
The five-time Champions League winner is soon to be a free agent, and is looking for a new club ahead of playing for Wales at the World Cup in Qatar, which starts in November.
Bale, 32 had been linked with a move to hometown club Cardiff City, following the end of a nineyear stay at Real Madrid, but he now appears set to continue his career with a move to the United States.
While there has as yet been no official comment from LAFC, the MLS club had posted a cryptic message on Twitter appearing to tease an imminent announcement, writing “Any guesses?” with a GIF showing LAFC international mail.
Last week, Bale had excited Cardiff fans by visiting the Sky Bet Championship club’s Vale of Glamorgan base on their first day of pre-season training.
The 32-year-old had fuelled speculation he might prefer being closer to home following comments that the standard of football he played before the World Cup should not prove a decisive factor in any move.
It is understood Bale – reportedly having earned around £600,000 per week at Real Madrid – had several options on the table, with former club Tottenham and big-spending Newcastle also suggested as potential destinations.
Bale’s move to the MLS is expected to also include the option of an 18-month contract extension, and would see him join former Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini as part of the LAFC squad.
Nottingham Forest have stepped up their preparations for their first Premier League season since 1999 with the signing of Nigerian striker, Taiwo Awoniyi.
The 24- year- old moves to the City Ground from Bundesliga side, Union Berlin, on a five- year deal for a club- record fee believed to be around £17-million.
Awoniyi, who scored 20 goals in 43 games in all competitions in his last season in Germany, becomes Forest’s first senior signing since gaining promotion back to the Premier League.
Forest head coach Steve Cooper said: “There’s been a lot of interest in Taiwo from other Premier League clubs, and other clubs across Europe.
“So we’re delighted that he’s chosen Nottingham Forest.
“He’s a player who we really believe in, and we look forward to him going on to fulfil his potential and become a top Premier League striker.”