Zinedine Zidane rubbishes Gareth Bale to Tottenham Hotspur rumours

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has insisted that he is "not contemplating" the possibility of Gareth Bale leaving the club on transfer deadline day.

Bale's future has been a regular topic of speculation during recent transfer windows, and reports earlier today suggested that former club Tottenham Hotspur had made a significant breakthrough in talks over a possible return for the winger.

However, Zidane has quickly denied those rumours, insisting that the 30-year-old is still part of his plans for the second half of the season.

"Gareth is here with us and I am counting on him. I am not contemplating this possibility," the Frenchman told reporters when questioned about a departure.

Bale joined Madrid from Tottenham for a then world record £85m fee in 2013 and has since gone on to score 105 goals in 246 appearances for the club.

The Wales international spent six seasons as a Spurs player, scoring 55 goals in 203 games and winning the PFA Player of the Year award twice.