Real Madrid star Gareth Bale set to sign new six-year contract – report

Gareth Bale is on the verge of signing a new deal with Real Madrid that will keep him at the Bernabeu until June 2022, according to Cadena Ser.

The radio station said an agreement has been reached for Wales international Bale to extend his contract for another three years and an official announcement will be made in the near future.

The new deal will reportedly see Bale’s release clause set at €500 million (£452m).

The 27-year-old forward became the world’s most expensive player in the summer of 2013 when he joined Real from Tottenham in a deal ultimately worth €100.7m (£85.1m).

He has had a strong start in his fourth season with Real, scoring three goals and setting up one more in six La Liga appearances.

Former Real Madrid and Wales coach John Toshack said compatriot Bale will be the leader of Los Blancos in the coming years.

Toshack, who handed Bale his Wales national team debut at the age of 17, told Cadena Ser: “I see a Real Madrid enjoying Bale at the top of his game for two or three years. I believe Bale will win the Ballon d’Or in his career.

“In a few years, he will become the leader [of Real Madrid].”

Toshack, who guided Real to the Spanish league title in 1989-90, said he saw from his time working with Bale that he had the qualities required.

“He was already a different player to the rest,” the 67-year-old said. “Now he is very discreet and a great professional. He knows what he has to do and he is a complete player.

“You don’t have to raise your hands or shout all the time to be a good leader. There are other ways to motivate your teammates. Gareth has earned the respect of his teammates at Wales.”

Injuries limited Bale to 30 appearances in all competitions for Real last season but the former Tottenham star still scored 19 goals and provided 10 assists to help the club win the Champions League and finish runners-up to Barcelona in La Liga.

Bale also helped Wales reach the semifinals of Euro 2016.