Rumours that there’s an outside chance Rangers could move for Gareth Bale this summer appear to have been quashed by the Real Madrid star’s agent.
As the Welsh international’s contract prepares to expire at the Bernabéu this summer, Rangers were mentioned as a potential destination for the winger by a report in Spain.
The Ibrox side were linked alongside the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, AC Milan and Cardiff City.
But those Rangers claims now appear to have been rebuffed by agent Jonathon Barnett who, in confirming Gareth Bale will leave Real Madrid after nine years, suggested a return to England was likely.
Speaking to Portuguese outlet Record, via the Mirror, Barnett also suggested that the 32-year-old’s future could depend on Welsh progress in World Cup Qualification.
“He leaves Real Madrid, but we have to wait for what Wales will be able to do,” said Barnett.
“It all depends on whether Wales qualify for the World Cup, then we will make a decision, which may vary whether or not Wales go to the World Cup.
“Is it more likely to return to England? I think so, but we’ll have to wait and see if Wales qualifies for the World Cup.”
England return likely for Rangers-linked Gareth Bale
The news that Gareth Bale is leaving Real Madrid will certainly pique the interest of several clubs with greater financial resources than Rangers, the Welshman having endured an up-and-down stint in Spain since his £83.5m move in 2013 [BBC Sport].
Links to Rangers are of course intensified by the fact Welsh international teammate Aaron Ramsey is currently on loan at Ibrox from Juventus.
Ex-Arsenal midfield Ramsey is a close friend of Bale’s and the two are widely considered as the best Welsh footballers of this generation.
There have also been links between Rangers and Aaron Ramsey ahead of the summer window but the midfielder claims that his future will be decided come the end of the season.
The player has also been giving an injury update as he hopes to avenge the demons of missing a Europa League Final with Arsenal.