Atletico Madrid 'reject chance to sign Gareth Bale for free'

Atletico Madrid have reportedly turned down the chance to sign Real Madrid attacker Gareth Bale as a free agent this summer.

The 32-year-old will be leaving the Santiago Bernabeu when his contract expires in June, ending his nine-year association with the club.
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According to Spanish radio station Cadena COPE, Bale was offered to Atletico during a meeting between the player's agent and the club's sporting director Andrea Berta.

However, Atletico have no interest in recruiting the Wales international as they do not see the attacker fitting into their plans for next season.

Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett revealed earlier this month that his client's future would depend on whether Wales qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

The former Tottenham Hotspur man has been linked with a return to his homeland with Cardiff City, while a switch to the MLS has also been mooted.