Real Madrid legend and Castilla manager Zinedine Zidane has insisted that Gareth Bale will not be sold to Manchester United or any other club in the summer.

Bale joined Madrid for a world record transfer fee from Tottenham in 2013, but the Welshman has been repeatedly linked with a move to Old Trafford this season.

During the January transfer window, Spanish newspaper AS claimed that United were ready to offer €153m for Gareth Bale, as Louis van Gaal had asked Manchester United board to make every effort to sign the Welsh wizard. 

Real Madrid are seemingly interested in Manchester United’s goalkeeper David de Gea, and there are suggestions of a potential swap deal involving the two players.

“Real Madrid buy the best players in the world. They don’t sell them,” said Zidane, as quoted by The Daily Mirror.

“Of course other clubs will be interested in him, he would improve any squad in the world, but the president has said he is not for sale and that is because he is not for sale. That will be the answer to Manchester United or any other club that asks the question.

“He was a big part of our success last season especially in the Champions League, and as we look to defend our title I am sure he will play a successful part again.”

Bale played a crucial role for Madrid in his first season, where he scored some important goals in cup finals. The 25-year-old scored the winning goal in the Copa Del Rey final against Barcelona and found the net against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final last May. 

This season, however, a dip in form (13 goals in La Liga) has seen sections of the club’s supporters turning against him. He has hinted of returning back to form since the international break and retains the faith of his manager and the Madrid hierarchy. 

Bale missed Madrid’s last game against Eibar with a foot injury but has been passed fit to play the Champions League quarterfinal clash against Atletico on Tuesday.