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Report: United target Bale has positive talks with new Real Madrid manager

FRANCK FIFE / AFP / Getty

Gareth Bale likely won't end up at Manchester United any time soon.

The Real Madrid standout suggested he might be ready to move on following the Champions League final, citing his lack of playing time under former manager Zinedine Zidane during the 2017-18 season.

Manchester United, once again, emerged as a possible destination, but Jose Mourinho may have to shelve his interest in the 29-year-old after Bale held positive talks with new Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui.

The two reportedly met on Monday for the first time since Lopetegui was named manager in June, with the Spanish gaffer telling Bale he's a major part of Real Madrid's plans for the upcoming season, according to John Percy of The Telegraph.

Those reported assurances come less than a week after Real Madrid sold Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus for a reported fee of €100 million.

It's believed Ronaldo's departure will result in Bale playing a more prominent role with the Champions League winner after he was left on the fringes when Zidane was in charge.

The French manager announced in June he wouldn't return to the club after leading Real Madrid to three consecutive European titles.

Bale's role was limited under Zidane, as the Welsh international often started matches on the bench. That isn't expected to be the case this season given that Lopetegui reportedly expressed his admiration for Bale.

Bale's representatives are expected to meet with Real Madrid officials in the coming days to seek further assurances over his future at the club.

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

Bale scored the winning goal that helped Real Madrid beat Liverpool 3-1 in the Champions League final, producing a sublime overhead kick that sailed over Loris Karius. After the match, he cast doubt over his future, saying "I need to be playing week in week out and that hasn't happened this season for one reason or another.

"I need to sit down in the summer and discuss it with my agent and go from there."

The remarks apparently caught Mourinho's attention and reignited interest in a player United has been linked with for the past few summers.

Last summer, Bale seemed destined to sign with the Premier League side before he was reportedly given similar promises of an enhanced role in Spain.

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