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.
Barney Corkhill
