Waching daily Jul 31 2018

Man United transfer news features an update from Real Madrid on Gareth Bale, as transfer

deadline day looms for Jose Mourinho and Ed Woodward.

Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui has indicated Gareth Bale will stay at the club, after seeking

reassurances over his future.

Bale emerged off the bench to spectacularly score Real's winner in the Champions League

final triumph over Liverpool in May, and claim the man of the match award.

But in an on-pitch interview before the trophy presentation Bale demanded talks, with the

Bernabeu board amid frustration over his lack of playing time.

Manchester United's interest in Bale dates back to, when he was a teenager at Southampton

but former Real coach Zinedine Zidane stepped down within days of clinching a third consecutive

European Cup, and the club sold Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus for £88million earlier

this month.

United gazumped Real's world record offer for Bale in 2013, and Jose Mourinho made a

public attempt to sign him last year but the 29-year-old Welshman seems destined to remain

in Madrid.

Lopetegui said: "He's very, very happy," . "He's very happy to play at Real Madrid.

He's happy to be here, this is a fantastic opportunity for him to show his talent.

"I've talked to him like I've talked to everyone.

He's with the team, he's happy, he's in line with our goals and it's a start of a new exciting

path for us that I'm looking forward to.

"We first recognise Cristiano as one of the most important players in the recent history

of Real Madrid, he vocalised his desire to leave, and the club gave him all the facilities

to do so.

We wish him all the luck in the world.

"And when it comes to our players, Bale and everyone else, we are completely convinced

we have the players to move forward.

Bale is a magnificent player with qualities, and we are convinced he and everyone else

can fill the void."