Gareth Bale could sign a short-term deal with a new club and retire immediately after this year’s World Cup, should Wales qualify.
Bale was Wales' saviour again last week, scoring two stunning goals as they beat Austria 2-1, setting up a play-off final against either Scotland or Ukraine for a place in Qatar.
The 32-year-old is out of contract at Real Madrid at the end of the season and, should Wales reach the finals, will try to find a new club during the summer.
While he could sign a one-year deal, Bale's main focus would be competing in a first World Cup and the forward has not ruled out signing a short-term contract to take him up to November's tournament before hanging up his boots before the second half of the campaign.
If Wales fail to qualify, Bale is expected to consider calling time on his playing career in the summer.
Bale spent last season on loan at Tottenham and has been linked with a third spell in north London, although he is not currently thought to consider that an option, while he has also been linked with hometown club Cardiff City of the Championship.
Scotland's play-off with Ukraine at Hampden Park and the decider against Wales have been rescheduled for June following the war in the eastern European country – after which Bale will decide his future.
