Real Madrid transfer news: Zidane explains Bale omission, Premier League return most likely

Real Madrid's sole focus today is on their Champions League last-16 second leg with Manchester City, which they trail 2-1 on aggregate at the midway stage.

That is not to say plans are not still ongoing behind the scenes with regards to incoming and outgoing transfer activity, however, with Gareth Bale's future very much back in the spotlight.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news of possible comings and goings at the Bernabeu.

Friday morning's Real Madrid transfer talk news roundup:

Zinedine Zidane: 'Gareth Bale's call to miss Manchester City clash'

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Bale's omission from Real Madrid's travelling party for Friday's tie with Man City was made all the more surprising by Sergio Ramos's inclusion - the skipper having been ruled out of the match through suspension.

Explaining the decision at his pre-match news conference on Thursday, Zinedine Zidane stated that it was the Welshman's decision to be overlooked for selection.

Talk of a summer exit for Bale is now in overdrive, with a number of teams believed to be keeping a close eye on the situation.

The 31-year-old has scored just three times in 20 appearances for Los Blancos this season and has featured only twice for Zidane's side since their campaign resumed in June.

'Gareth Bale wants Premier League return'

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A return to the Premier League seems the most likely outcome for Bale if he does indeed leave the Bernabeu in the coming weeks.

According to Spanish football expert Alvaro Montero, the former Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur ace is holding out for an offer from an English club.

However, Montero claims that a move is unlikely to go through due to Bale's substantial wages.

Tottenham and Manchester United have both recently been linked with a summer move, while Newcastle United were also credited with an interest before their takeover fell through.