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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Alex Milne

Real Madrid 'prepare to axe up to six players' including Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez

A number of Premier League clubs are likely to consider moves for Real Madrid forwards Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez this summer, with the La Liga giants keen to sell the two players as well as a whole host of others.

Bale almost left last summer before a move to China was blocked at the last minute, and his manager Zinedine Zidane does not see a future at the club for the 30-year-old.

James, meanwhile, has barely featured this season, making just seven La Liga appearances, and is also set to be shown the exit door.

According to Spanish outlet AS the likes of Lucas Vazquez, Mariano Diaz, Alvaro Odriozola and Nacho Fernandez could also be up for sale this summer, but Bale and James are likely to be of more interest to Premier League clubs such as Manchester United, Tottenham and Everton.

Gareth Bale has fallen out of favour at the Bernabeu (Getty Images)

It is still not clear when the transfer window will be open amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis, but the fact the duo could be available on cut-price deals will be an attractive proposition, with James in particular likely to be sold for cheap given that his contract expires at the end of next season.

Former Newcastle United player Faustino Asprilla recently said that he believes his fellow Colombian James would be a good fit at United.

Speaking to the station Blu Radio, Asprilla said: " Manchester United would be a good place for James. It’s been a while since they have been winning trophies and they are thinking about strengthening the team for next season.

James Rodriguez has been linked with a whole host of Premier League clubs (Getty Images)

"They’ve got good players – like Juan Mata, who plays in a similar style to James, although he’s a little more dynamic and attacking but I think James could easily fit into that side."

Bale, on the other hand, may be more difficult to shift, with the former Spurs man recently suggesting he was happy to see out his current lucrative contract, which doesn't expire until 2022.

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