Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Gareth Bale and Kylian Mbappe

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has reportedly told president Florentino Perez to ensure they keep hold of Gareth Bale amid talk of Manchester United's interest in the player. Elsewhere, captain Sergio Ramos has given target Kylian Mbappe his backing as a major prospect.

Metro reported Zidane urged Perez to ward off any interest in Bale, and speaking at a press conference prior to Saturday's El Clasico friendly against La Liga rivals Barcelona in Miami, Florida, he spoke of his desire to keep his squad intact:

"I’m relaxed and I’m delighted with the squad.

"We have the best, we won and we want to do the same again.

"The squad is very good and I don’t want changes. It’s only Cristiano [Ronaldo] who isn’t with us [on pre-season] but we know that it’s going to be a difficult year.

"Everyone will want to win and that’s more beautiful for us."

Although the Red Devils have been linked as the major suitor interested in a move for Bale—and one of the few teams who might be able to finance a deal—Real aren't understood to be willing to sell.

What's more, Sky Sports News reporter Kaveh Solhekol recently attested to United not actively seeking a move for Bale for some years, tracing back as far as 2013, when he left Tottenham Hotspur for a then-world-record £86 million:

Bale's agent, Jonathan Barnett, also recently did his bit to quieten any speculation of a departure from the Santiago Bernabeu and told Sky Sports News that rumours of an exit are "ridiculous" and "stupid."

The Welsh winger won his third UEFA Champions League title in the space of four seasons last term, begging the question as to why any player would be urged to end such a successful streak, even if it meant a Premier League return.

BT Sports presenter Jake Humphrey also testified to the notion Bale is settled in Spain's capital, which coupled with Zidane's desire to keep the player, doesn't bode well for any hopes his suitors might have in making a move:

As far as incoming players go, Real captain Ramos has intensified rumours his side could move for AS Monaco sensation Mbappe after giving the player his stamp of approval, per Charles Perrin of the Daily Express:

"It's not a decision for me but Mbappe is a great prospect, there are not young players around like him.

"We have an important year ahead of us and already have excellent players.

"But it's money which moves football and people can pay what they want.

"If he wants to come to Real Madrid the doors will be open."

Ramos' statement of support may help convince Mbappe a move to Madrid is the one for him, and Sky Sports writer Adam Bate has spoken of the special significance the France international holds during this transfer window:

Perrin referenced recent reports that have said Mbappe could smash the current £89.6 million world transfer record if he were to join Los Blancos for the £160 million price tag said to be attached to his name.

The 18-year-old blew onto the European scene and netted 26 goals in 44 appearances for Leonardo Jardim's Monaco side, and Ramos has only fuelled the fires of speculation by giving a glowing review of the wonderkid.