Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has confirmed forward Gareth Bale is “very close to leaving” the Spanish giants this summer.

The 30-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at the Santiago Bernabeu in recent months and looks set to be on his way. Bale joined Madrid in 2013 for €100.8million and has scored 78 league goals in 155 appearances for the capital club.

The Wales international has won one La Liga title and Copa del Rey while also lifting the Champions League trophy on four occasions since leaving Tottenham. He was left out of Real’s squad for their pre-season friendly against Bayern Munich this weekend and Zidane admits the club are trying to sell him.

“We hope he leaves soon,” he told reporters. “It would be best for everyone. We are working on his transfer to a new team.

“I have nothing personal against him, but there comes a time where things are done because they must be done. I have to make decisions. We have to change. The exit is the coach’s decision, and also of the player, who knows the situation.

“The situation will change, I do not know if in 24 or 48 hours, but it will – and it’s a good thing for everyone.” Bale endured a poor campaign last season and was always expected to struggle for game time once Zidane returned in March.

Real suffered their poorest domestic campaign for 20 years last year but they are 2.20 to respond and win the title during the 2019/20 season.