Zinedine Zidane, the new Real Madrid head coach, has hailed Gareth Bale as “phenomenal” and assured the Welshman that he is “fundamental” to the team.

“I understand Gareth might be annoyed with the departure of Benitez because he was an important coach for him, but he will have the same affection from me” said Zidane, in his first press conference as a Madrid boss. 

Zidane said he will build his team around the attacking trio of BBC – Bale, Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo – but whether Bale will be given the central role remains to be seen.

Bale, the world’s most expensive footballer, is reportedly happy at Madrid (despite his disappointment of seeing Benitez being sacked), and the club want him to stay. However with Bale, there is always this feeling, if he doesn’t fit into the system, there will always be a top Premier League club that will want to sign him.

Rory Smith of The Times claimed that Manchester United had been preparing all the grounds to arrange a deal for Bale, which could be in the region of £150m along with his £300k-per-week wages next summer, should be becomes available for hire.

According to reports from The Mirror, Manchester United are not the only Premier League club vying for Bale’s signature; London giants Chelsea are ready to enter the battle as well.

Zidane is a big fan of Chelsea’s Eden Hazard, and should Real Madrid show any interest in signing the Belgium international next summer, Chelsea could ask for Bale in return.