Zinedine Zidane responds to Jose Mourinho's admission over Gareth Bale interest

REAL MADRID manager Zinedine Zidane has responded to Jose Mourinho's admission he wants to sign Gareth Bale at Manchester United.

Bale has been heavily linked with a move away from Real Madrid this summer as the La Liga champions look to raise funds for Monaco striker Kylian Mbappe.

And Mourinho added fuel to speculation suggesting Bale could be heading to Manchester United, claiming he would 'fight' other managers for his signature should the Welshman become available.

Ahead of tomorrow's Super Cup between United and Real, Mourinho said on the possibility of signing Bale: “Well if he’s playing tomorrow, no I wouldn’t think of that.

“It’s because he’s in the coach’s plans and the club’s plans, because he also has that motivation to continue at Real Madrid.

Zindine Zidane Gareth BaleGETTY

Zindine Zidane refuses to issue Gareth Bale hands-off warning

What interests me and what is important for us is not what the coach said

Zinedine Zidane

“If he is not in the club’s plans, that with the arrival of another player would mean he was on his way out, I will try to be waiting for him on the other side and fight with other coaches that would want him on their team."

And when Zidane had the chance to quash speculation surrounding Bale, the Real boss opted to side-step the subject of Mourinho's comments on three occasions.

The Frenchman refused to issue a hands-off warning over the 28-year-old, but admitted he was happy to have him fit after an injury-plagued season.

Jose Mourinho Gareth BaleGETTY

Jose Mourinho would be interested in Gareth Bale if Real Madrid make him available

"I think what's important is that the player is feeling well," the Real boss said. 

"On top of that, he's had a lot of continuous training sessions with us and that's what is the most important.

"At the end of last season it wasn't easy for him, he was almost out for four months through injury but now he is very well, very concentrated, he trains with the team.

"What interests me and what is important for us is not what the coach said, it's what we are going to do tomorrow. That is all."

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?