I don’t want to lose Bale ―Zidane

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane says Gareth Bale is an important part of the squad amid rumours of a summer exit.

Several reports have suggested the Wales international, who joined Los Blancos from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013, will leave the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer after receiving criticism for his performances this season.

Premier League outfit Manchester United are said to be showing a keen interest in the 28-year-old forward and it is claimed a swap deal involving goalkeeper David De Gea could happen in the next transfer window.

However, Zidane, whose future as manager is far from certain, has been quick to dispell the rumours and insists Bale remains an integral part of Madrid’s squad.

‘A player always misses out, I am not thinking of one or two but all the players,’ he said. ‘I know that some players are not of interest to you but there are those that train each day, hardly ever play and I am interested in them.

‘I see Bale like all of them and I count on all of them. The important thing is that they train well and focused. I want him to be 100 percent and I do not want to lose him again.

‘A lot of things are important and there is a lot also under the surface, but I am sure that he will go on to play an important role.’