Real Madrid to let Gareth Bale leave at the end of the season

Gareth Bale had big shoes to fill this season

After the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid had hoped that Gareth Bale would step into his shoes, become the focal point of their attack and most importantly, replicate his goal output. Given the age gap between the two players and Bale's preference to play on the left wing, this was always the plan. Alas, it has not materialised. Bale has scored 14 goals in all competitions so far this season, scoring three in his first three league games for Madrid, but has not had the impact Madrid were hoping for. His inconsistency has seen him dropped to the bench on occasion, with Vinicius Jr playing his way into Santi Solari's first XI. Since returning from injury in late January, Bale has started just twice. Madrid are therefore willing to let Bale leave the club this summer, according to Spanish sports newspaper Marca,  Bale considered leaving at the end of last season, but Ronaldo's decision to join Juventus meant that Madrid decided it was important to avoid losing them both in one summer. But it looks as if this could be his final season at the club for whom he has scored 100 goals in 219 games - an impressive ratio given his injury record over the past five years. The 29-year-old has dropped so far down the pecking order, Marca report, that Solari prefers Vinicius Jr on the left and Lucas Vazquez on the right. He'd also rather play a four man midfield with Isco free to roam than start Bale. Despite his obvious quality when fit, don't expect Europe's elite clubs to be queueing up to sign him. His injury record will deter many from committing to paying his huge wages. With Manchester United reportedly chasing Jadon Sancho and Manchester City stocked for wingers, the Premier League club most likely to sign him could be Chelsea, especially if Eden Hazard does finally leave to join Madrid. Alternatively, could there could be a romantic return to Spurs on the cards? Probably not, but what a way that would be to christen their new stadium (if they open it in time.)