Manchester City set to miss out on Real Madrid’s 19-goal winger

Manchester City’s reported interest in Wales international Gareth Bale is set to come to nothing this summer, according to the Sunday Express.

The Premier League side; who currently sit fourth in the English top-flight standings, but could replace Arsenal in third spot once more should they defeat Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium on Sunday afternoon, were thought to have put the Real Madrid forward’s name down on their summer wishlist during the forthcoming transfer window.

The 26-year-old; who has 54 international caps for his country and is set to star for Wales at Euro 2016 later this year in France, has scored an impressive 19 goals in 28 appearances in all competitions for the La Liga giants, including 13 assists.

But Bale, who arrived at the Bernabeu from Premier League rivals Tottenham back in 2013 in a world record deal worth £85m, is set to halt City’s interest in the Welsh wizard by signing a new deal at Madrid.

The report suggests that Bale could extend his contract with the Spaniards until 2021 as early as next week, with a pay rise of around £50,000-a-week set to be finalised.