Manchester United target Gareth Bale speaks on transfer rumours

Gareth Bale has refused to rule out a return to the Premier League, but stressed that he is "very happy" with life at Real Madrid for the moment.

Speculation had mounted that the 26-year-old was open to joining Manchester United next summer after reportedly growing disillusioned in the Spanish capital.

Bale endured a testing season last term, prompting rumours that he was ready to return to England, but the ex-Tottenham Hotspur ace says that he is enjoying his football again after being given a central role by coach Rafael Benitez.

"I will never say never when it comes to going back to the Premier League, because you don't know what the future holds," the world's most expensive player, who joined for £86m in 2013, told The Mirror.

"But I am enjoying my time here. I am very happy. I had conversations with Rafa in the summer and I am delighted about where I am going to be playing this season.

"I like the role behind the striker and feel that's my position. I can drift into areas, find the space and, when I get the ball, I can attack. It's my best position – and I think this year is going to be a great season."

The Welshman is contracted to the Blancos until 2019.