Gareth Bale's agent plays down reports his client will join Getafe

Gareth Bale's agent has reportedly rubbished reports the Wales star will join Spanish side Getafe, handing a boost to Cardiff City.

Bale will leave Real Madrid at the end of his contract this month but needs to join a new club for the coming season after Wales booked their place at the World Cup on Sunday.

The Welshman is said to not be short of options and was most recently linked to LaLiga minnows Getafe amid suggestions he may be keen to remain in Madrid, where he has lived and raised his children over the past nine years. 

Getafe club president, Angel Torres appeared to back up those claims when he said Bale had been offered to the club.

On Wednesday, Torres said: 'I spoke with the player's agent this morning. He has been offered to us. We will consider it. I am going to have to speak to the technical staff.' 

The club's official Twitter account also appeared to hint at the move as it mimicked Bale's famous 'Wales Golf Madrid' sporting priorities slogan. 

On Wednesday evening, Getafe tweeted 'Getafe Getafe Getafe. In that order.' 

However, Bale's agent Joshua Barnett, son of Jonathan Barnett, has reportedly played down the move to the Spanish side.

Football journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed that Barnett laughed off the rumours on Wednesday evening, saying: 'I don't even have the president of Getafe's number!' 

The report hands Cardiff City as boost in their pursuit of Bale as the Welsh side are desperate to bring him back to his hometown club in what would be a stunning coup, according to Wales Online.

It was assumed Bale would have been keen to secure a return to the UK, with Tottenham, Cardiff and even Wrexham all suggested options.

But the option to stay in the Spanish capital would also allow him and his family