Gareth Bale offers himself to Getafe in shock free transfer and blow to Cardiff’s hopes of landing ex-Real Madrid star

GARETH BALE has offered himself to Getafe in a shock transfer blow to Cardiff

The former Real Madrid star, 32, will not retire after leading Wales to their first World Cup in 64 years with a win over Ukraine on Sunday.

Cardiff had hoped to convince Bale to head home ahead of the winter tournament in Qatar despite more than TEN clubs circling.

But Getafe have emerged as a shock destination, with president Angel Torres Sanchez revealing Bale’s agent had offered the ex-Real Madrid man to him.

The LaLiga club’s chief revealed: “We spoke to Gareth Bale’s agent just 45 minutes ago…

“They offered him to us.

“We will consider and study this possibility.”

Torres Sanchez later doubled-down on the news, adding: “This morning I spoke with his representative and he explained to me that it was possible to do it.

“The boy wants to stay in Madrid and play in the World Cup.

“I have to give him a ride and talk to the coach. It depends 50 per cent on Bale and 50 per cent on me.”

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Bale left Real Madrid after his contract expired at the end of the 2021-22 season.

The golf-mad Welshman had hinted he could retire if Wales didn’t qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

But after his free-kick led Wales past a brave Ukraine to reach this winter’s tournament in Qatar, Bale is set to continue.

And that has seen a host of clubs, including Cardiff, looking to swoop.

But now it appears Bale will continue his stay in Spain.

The ex-Tottenham man is targeting a move to Getafe – who finished 15th in LaLiga last season.

Getafe are based in Madrid, with Bale clearly keen to continue his luxurious life in the Spanish capital.

The Welshman is more than settled in the city having lived in his incredible £6.5million home there for nine years.

Before Getafe confirmed Bale was angling for a move to the LaLiga side, a hatful of clubs had been chasing his signature on a free move.

Some MLS clubs are said to be in the mix including Wayne Rooney’s former side DC United, who are willing to make him their highest-paid player in history.

The likes of Newcastle, Rangers and Celtic have also been linked, with a second return to Tottenham also considered.

Another of Bale’s ex-clubs Southampton have also been linked with Wales’ record goalscorer.