Zidane: Bale Given Permission to Ttravel to London

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane says Gareth Bale had permission to travel to London earlier this week for “personal reasons”.

Bale was spotted in the English capital on Monday, leading to several reports that he was holding transfer talks with his agent about a potential move to China.

However, Zidane says the Welshman - who is currently injured - was allowed to go to England to deal with a personal issue.

"He spoke directly with the club because he had personal reasons and he's entitled to do it," Zidane said.

"I can't say what's going on. Every player has the right to keep personal, that's all. So two things - it was personal and he got permission from the club.

"There's not a story to tell. He went to London because he's not available, but he never said that he wants to leave the club. He's here and if he can train he does it, and if he can play he does it."

Bale hasn't featured for Real since sustaining an injury in Wales' 1-1 draw with Croatia on October 13. Despite a public falling out in the summer, Zidane insists there is no problem between the pair.