Wales superstar Gareth Bale appears to be torn between Cardiff City and a transfer to America as he ponders his next move.
WalesOnline understands a Bluebirds contract has been on the table for Bale following intensive negotiations with the Welsh captain and his representatives, but he has yet to sign it. You can read live updates here.
In the interim, Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett has confirmed talks are ongoing 'with lots of other clubs.' Two of those are believed to be Major League Soccer teams in the USA, who would be able to offer Bale a vastly bigger salary than he could earn with Championship club Cardiff.
READ MORE: Bale transfer news as it happens
The lure of the Bluebirds is for Bale to come home for personal reasons and cement an even greater Welsh football legacy by firing Cardiff into the Premier League. It is an option he is still strongly considering. Bale, 33, is weighing up what to do next, having held conversations with Cardiff manager Steve Morison on Wednesday. You can read more about that here.
Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett politely told us on Thursday morning he could offer no update at this stage, but confirmed a decision 'will be made in the next few days'.
Cardiff's concern will be the more that time drags on, the greater the possibility that Bale may choose to go Stateside.
Two American clubs are among those who have also made offers to the talismanic Welsh skipper and they too are waiting on his decision. Cardiff remain hopeful they can still land the five-time Champions League winner, which could spark further big names arriving this summer and the Bluebirds expected to challenge for promotion.
However, Bale has a lot to weigh up, including the best preparation for his and Wales' World Cup dream in Qatar, where they meet England, USA and Iran in the group stages.
Wales' medics are also housed at Cardiff's training HQ on the outskirts of the Welsh capital, and that could yet be a pull. Bale is to leave Wales for a holiday in Asia in the coming days and intends on letting Cardiff and the American clubs know of his decision before that.
Premier League trio Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and former club Tottenham have also been linked with Bale, while there is also German interest. The most recent odds from the bookmakers appear to back up the dilemma Bale is facing. He is 4-5 to join the Bluebirds, with any MLS club at 11-8. The bookies see it as a straight fight between Cardiff and America.
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