Real Madrid are reportedly weighing up letting Wales star Gareth Bale leave for free this summer in a desperate bid to get his wages off the books.
Bale’s future at the Spanish giants has looked precarious for some time, with a move to the Chinese Super League falling through last summer after Real pulled the plug on the deal.
However, since then, Bale has endured an injury-hit season - with the 30-year-old continuing to play a minor role under manager Zinedine Zidane.
And the Bernabeu club are now prepared to let him leave for nothing, according to Spanish outlet Marca.
Former club Tottenham and Manchester United have been linked with his services in the past.
According to the report, the club are adamant that they can’t afford to pay a salary of around 17 million euros for a player who is not even starting.
It also states that Bale will occupy a non-EU spot in the squad when Brexit comes into fruition - another reason for Real to get rid.
Last month Real Madrid manager Zidane insisted that there is no bad blood between him and Bale, despite the Welsh star saying that he plans to see out his contract at Santiago Bernabeu - which runs out in 2022.
“I have no issue with that, none whatsoever,” said Zidane.
“He has a contract and he wants to stay here.
“We talk regularly but I am not going to tell you what I tell my players. We know what Gareth Bale can bring. He has to be fit and ready to do that.
“There are times when he isn’t named in the squad but I wouldn’t read too much into it.
“Everyone has a role and Gareth is a player I will need between now and the end of the season.”
