Outcast forward Gareth Bale to be released by Real Madrid?

Real Madrid are considering the prospect of terminating Gareth Bale's contract, according to a report.

The Wales international has been left out of Madrid's squad for two of their last three matches and did not come off the bench in the other.

Zinedine Zidane hinted after Sunday's home defeat to Real Betis that the 29-year-old has no part to play in his future plans.

Bale is reluctant to walk away from Madrid, though, as he is happy to continue picking up his £15m-a-year wages.

However, The Times suggests that Madrid could take drastic action by releasing Bale from his contract, meaning that they would not receive a transfer fee but another club may be more willing to pick up his wages.

Meanwhile, it has also been suggested that Manchester United could take similar action by making Alexis Sanchez a free agent.