Real Madrid, Gareth Bale begin contract talks?

Real Madrid have reportedly opened up contract negotiations with Gareth Bale's representatives.

The Welsh winger arrived at the Bernabeu from Tottenham Hotspur almost three years ago on a deal until the summer of 2019.

However, having established himself as a key player since then, Madrid are prepared to reward the 26-year-old accordingly with fresh terms, according to Marca.

The report adds that the new contract, which would run until 2021, would make Bale the club's second-highest earner behind Cristiano Ronaldo.

The news is likely to have come as a blow to the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea, all of whom were said to be keen to take the world's most expensive player back to the Premier League this summer.