Gareth Bale's Agent Says Madrid Exit Talk Is 'Stupid' Amid Man United Rumours

Gareth Bale's agent, Jonathan Barnett, has described speculation that the Welshman could leave Real Madrid this summer as "ridiculous" and "stupid." 

Per Dafydd Pritchard of BBC Sport, reports linking Bale to Manchester United re-emerged following comments from Real manager Zinedine Zidane regarding the futures of Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, but Barnett rubbished the rumours.

"It's a ridiculous, stupid story," he said.

Per the Mirror's David McDonnell, Zidane said that while he hopes Bale, Benzema and Ronaldo remain at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, "anything can happen right up until August 31" and that the former Tottenham Hotspur man is seen as the most expendable of the trio. 

As a result, United have been "given a fresh boost" in their pursuit of Bale, who has been a target for the Old Trafford club for many years, according to McDonnell.

However, the winger has little desire to leave Madrid, per BBC Sport's Simon Stone:

The 28-year-old endured a tough, injury-hit season in 2016-17, only turning out 19 times as Real won La Liga and starting the UEFA Champions League final—in which Los Blancos beat Juventus 4-1—on the bench.

But per Squawka, his record at Madrid remains phenomenal and he should again be a key player in Zidane's first team next season—if he is fit:

Bale would be a phenomenal addition to Jose Mourinho's United squad and perhaps provide the star power to propel the club to the Premier League title.

The news coming from Bale's agent, though, suggests the Wales international will not be moving anywhere before the transfer window closes.