China move 'is Gareth Bale's only option'

Gareth Bale's wage demands and injury record reportedly mean that a move to China will be the Welshman's only option when his time with Real Madrid comes to a close.

The attacker was strongly linked with a switch away from the Bernabeu during the summer but ultimately remained with Zinedine Zidane's side and started the season in the team.

The 30-year-old has missed Madrid's last six matches with a calf problem but started Wales's Euro 2020 qualification match against Azerbaijan on Saturday before being substituted in the 60th minute.

Manchester United have been linked with a move for the former Tottenham Hotspur left-back, but according to AS, China will be Bale's only option due to his wage demands and blighted injury record.

The report claims that the attacker's unwillingness to drop his salary at Madrid means that even a number of top European clubs will be unable to afford him.

Bale has scored 104 times and registered 67 assists in 238 appearances for Los Blancos since arriving from Spurs during the summer of 2013.