Manchester United Transfer News: Gareth Bale Rumours Rubbished by Agent

Gareth Bale's agent has laughed off suggestions the Real Madrid star will join Manchester United.

David Manasseh, one of the player's representatives, has quashed rumours linking Bale with a Bernabeu exit, as reported by CalcioMercato, via Ed Malyon of the Mirror.

"Rubbish, these rumours about a swap are absolute rubbish," he said. "It is not true that Bale wants to return to the Premier League, everything is going well for him in Madrid and he wants to continue wearing the Real shirt."

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Spanish newspaper El Economista, via Chisanga Malata of the Daily Star, recently suggested Madrid would allow Bale to leave in a swap deal for Angel Di Maria. Manasseh indicates this isn't true and that the Welshman is ready to fight for his spot in Ancelotti's starting lineup.

Bale's importance was questioned by many during his recent spell on the sidelines. Isco hit a patch of excellent form in the former Tottenham star's absence and is finally delivering on his potential in the Spanish capital. It is fair to say the former Malaga midfielder offers Madrid greater balance, while Bale is the more explosive forward.

Ancelotti recently confirmed Bale remains "one of the most important players in this squad," as reported by AS, via Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC. It's easy to forget Bale was responsible for the winning goal in Madrid's Copa del Rey triumph and netted an important strike during the Champions League final to set up La Decima.

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Louis van Gaal recently criticised Di Maria's performance against Crystal Palace, saying his poor dribbling was "not good for the balance of the team," per David McDonnell of the Mirror. 

Ancelotti concurred by acknowledging Di Maria's weakness as "misplacing important passes," as reported on Onda Cero's Al Primer Toque show, via Marca.

Even so, Di Maria has contributed three goals and five assists since arriving in Manchester, per WhoScored.com. It is ridiculous to suggest the player—who cost a British record fee of £59.7 million—is about to have his Old Trafford time cut short.

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Former United midfielder Paul Scholes recently suggested Di Maria doesn't appear to be in "the same happy mood" he displayed while at Madrid, but that was refuted by the Argentinian's wife, per ESPN.co.uk. "You are free to think whatever you want, but in fact, Angel is absolutely happy of being in Manchester United," Jorgelina Cardoso wrote on Instagram.

It is perhaps best for everyone to put the rumours to bed. Both Bale and Di Maria have plenty of hard work ahead of them if they are destined to make lasting impacts this season.

Manasseh's comments are an indication of how seriously the Bale camp are taking his time in Madrid—particularly as the press was used to push the move along—so the rumours appear misdirected. Bale is an incredible player, someone who can improve any side in the world, but constant speculation isn't going to help him overcome the considerable obstacle of holding down a first-team place in Madrid.