Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard has already made his true feelings clear about Gareth Bale as transfer talk swirls

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard has already made his feelings clear on Gareth Bale after working as a pundit for the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Liverpool.

Bale, 32, was an unused substitute as a goal from Vinicius Junior fired Madrid into a 1-0 lead and ultimately handed Bale his fifth winners medal in the competition.

The Welsh international now looks set to depart Los Blancos after nine years at the club as his contract expires with Spanish side. According to The Guardian, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Villa are 'keeping an eye on' on the forward whilst his future remains unclear.

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Villa boss Steven Gerrard has already made his feelings clear on Bale and his time in Spain whilst covering the Champions League final last month. Speaking after the game, Gerrard said: "It's a shame that he doesn't get the appreciation he deserves in terms of the contribution over that period and what he's going to go away with in terms of his CV.

"It's a shame that he