Spanish giants Atletico Madrid have turned down the chance to sign Gareth Bale on a free transfer.
Reports in Marca last night stated that Bale's agent, Jonathan Barnett, had met with Real Madrid's cross-town rivals to discuss a deal to sign the Wales skipper.
A meeting was held between Atletico sporting director Andrea Berta and Barnett, and although they appreciated the offer, Bale is not a player on their radar at present, the same publication report.
Bale's contract with Los Blancos comes to an end next month. Contrary to reports in Spain, Barnett revealed earlier this month that the 32-year-old's future was likely back in Britain.
In an exclusive interview with WalesOnline, Barnett said his client's next move would not be motivated by money but by where he wants to play. He has been heavily linked with Cardiff City for the past few months, and Barnett admitted the Bluebirds had a "lot of plusses".
Asked specifically if Cardiff was a credible option for Bale, Barnett replied: "Who knows? We'll look and see in due course. But I repeat there are no options on the table at the moment.
"Cardiff has a lot of plusses. He's from Wales, his family are from there. From a personal point of view it could appeal. But I emphasise this is me talking, my views, not Gareth's. I have not discussed it with him."
Bale has been named in Rob Page's Wales squad for their upcoming World Cup play-off against either Scotland or Ukraine early next month. The former Tottenham man's future is likely to be dependant on the outcome of that match.
He is set to sign off his Real Madrid career this weekend when the Spanish giants take on Liverpool in the Champions League final in Paris. Boss Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the Welshman will be fit to face the Reds in a competition which Bale has thrived in over the years.
