Gareth Bale has reportedly been left disappointed by Real Madrid's decision to sack Rafael Benitez and replace the Spanish coach with Zinedine Zidane.
Los Blancos made the announcement last night, despite the fact that Benitez only took charge at the Bernabeu seven months ago.
While Madrid are just four points adrift of city rivals and leaders Atletico in the La Liga standings and also eased into the knockout stages of the Champions League, it is believed that many of the club's hierarchy had grown weary of the team's playing style under Benitez's guidance.
The former Liverpool boss is also thought to have shared fractious relationships with a number of players, but not with Welsh winger Bale, who believed that progress was being made, according to The Times.
The report adds that the 26-year-old is now considering his long-term future in the Spanish capital, which is likely to alert supposed suitors Manchester United.
However, to conclude any deal, it has been claimed that the Red Devils would need to match Bale's current £300,000-a -eek wages, while Madrid president Florentino Perez's asking price may start at around £150m.
Bale joined Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur for £85.3m in 2013 and he has gone on to make 107 appearances, from which he has scored 47 goals.
Liam Apicella
