Gareth Bale agent rules out Real Madrid exit

Agent Jonathan Barnett has insisted that Gareth Bale "isn't going anywhere", despite him dropping down the pecking order at Real Madrid.

Bale made just two appearances for Los Blancos after the resumption of La Liga, while the Wales international was also left out of the squad to face Leganes last weekend.

The lack of game time has inevitably led to further speculation regarding the future of the attacker, who has two years remaining on his contract.

However, Barnett has reiterated that the 31-year-old is happy with life in Spain's capital, suggesting that the issue lies with Zinedine Zidane 'not wanting to coach Bale'.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Barnett said: "Zidane doesn't want to coach Bale, but he has two years left on his contract, is very happy living in Madrid and he isn't going anywhere.

"Bale is as good as his teammates, but this is a decision taken by Zidane.

"There is no hatred from Bale and he isn't trying to survive Zidane, he is simply training well every day, but Zidane, who has been successful, doesn't want to use him."

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur continue to be linked with a future approach for the attacker.