Gareth Bale's agent laughs at transfer claim in boost for Cardiff City

Gareth Bale's agent has rubbished claims from Spanish side Getafe they have been in talks about signing the Wales star.

Getafe president Angel Torres had earlier told Spanish media he had been offered the chance within the last hour to sign Bale on a free transfer now he is out of contract. The suggestion had been Bale may be keen to remain in Madrid, where he has lived and raised his children over the past nine years.

Cardiff City fans are desperate for a deal to be done to bring the Welshman to his hometown club in what would be a stunning coup, and the Getafe claims had slighted dented optimism amid reports up to 10 teams are chasing him. But the Bluebirds remain the bookies' favourites, and one of Bale's agents, Joshua Barnett (son of Jonathan Barnett), has reportedly moved to rule out a Getafe move.

Respected football journalists Fabrizio Romano and Guillem Balague have said Barnett laughed off the rumours on Wednesday evening, saying: "I don’t even have the president of Getafe’s number!" It comes after he had previously suggested Bale's next move is likely to be to the UK and that money will not be a factor in his decision-making.

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Getafe's Torres had told radio journalist Alberto Fernández: “45 minutes ago I spoke with Gareth Bale's representative. They have offered it to us. We have to consider and study it with the Getafe coaching staff and sports management.”

Bale is currently away on international duty with Wales, having helped his side to a first World Cup appearance in 64 years.

It remains to be seen how much of a role he'll play in the upcoming trio of Nations League fixtures, which kick off with a home clash against the