Real Madrid management are prepared to release Gareth Bale from the final year of his contract.
Sport says discussions have kicked off inside the Real boardroom about Bale and his place in Carlo Ancelotti's squad this new season.
With a year to run on his contract, the big problem for Real is the Wales captain will become a non-EU player this year due to the UK's departure from Europe. Brexit laws will mean Bale must be regarded as a non-EU player by Real Madrid.
Besides Bale, Brazilians Rodrygo, Eder Militao and Vinicius Junior are also non-EU players - and Real can only register three of the four for the LaLiga this season.
As such, paying out Bale's contract is now being discussed given he is not regarded ahead of the Brazilian trio.
Now 32, Bale spent last season on-loan with Tottenham, where he played 34 games and scored 16 goals. The attacker also produced three assists.
- updated July 20
