Gareth Bale's future at Real Madrid has been the subject of transfer conversation for some time.
And the return of Frenchman Zinedine Zidane has reportedly done the Welshman no favours, with suggestions that he has told the Real hierarchy that he does not want the attacker in his first team next season.
Bale's price tag - rumoured to be in the region of £100million - is a stumbling block for potential suitors, including Manchester United, Tottenham and Bayern Munich.
Spanish daily Marca report that Madrid could be set to cut their losses with Bale and let him leave the Spanish capital on loan.
It would be similar to the move made by Colombian star James Rodriguez, who joined the Bavarians on a two-season-long deal.
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Madrid received £5million a year under that agreement.
United are keen admirers of Bale and a loan deal could suit all parties.
Bale was once again booed by the Bernabeu crowd on Sunday, despite Los Blancos winning 3-0. Bale came on after 70 minutes.
Zidane said that he did not understand the fans' treatment of Bale, adding: "I feel for him. I would like to have seen him score today [against Bilbao]."
Despite this, Bale's agent has insisted his client remains happy in Spain.
He said recently: "He is very happy here. He is a Real Madrid player and right now he is not thinking about a return to England."
Asked whether the Wales international is likely to still be at the club next season, Barnett added: "I can’t predict the future but for now he is happy."
