Gareth Bale to play key role at Real Madrid this season?

Gareth Bale is reportedly expected to play a key role for Real Madrid during the 2021-22 campaign.

With less than a year remaining on the Wales international's contract, Los Blancos officials have been open to getting the attacker off the wage bill.

However, on the front page of Marca, Bale is shown enjoying himself in Real colours, the suggestion being that he is now 'loving life' at the club.

After a spell on loan at Tottenham Hotspur, the 32-year-old was handed a starting role as Real eased past Alaves at the weekend.

Carlo Ancelotti has also revealed that he has been left impressed with the attitude of Bale, who has sometimes been the subject of jeers from Real supporters.

As it stands, there appears little prospect of Bale penning a new contract at the Bernabeu, particularly on his current wages.