Gareth Bale's future could be sorted in next nine days as second round of club talks take place

Gareth Bale's representatives held another round of talks with MLS side DC United over the weekend, according to reports on the other side of the Atlantic.

Wales skipper Bale's Real Madrid contract comes to an end this summer, with his departure from the Spanish giants confirmed by boss Carlo Ancelotti. There has been speculation he may remain in Spain, with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid reported to have shown interest in him, but it remains more likely that he will seek pastures new elsewhere.

Reports emerged last week that DC United, based in Washington, were in talks to sign the 32-year-old. Bale will likely sign on for another club in order to maintain match fitness should Wales seal qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. A play-off against Scotland or Ukraine takes place in early June. You can read more about that here.

The Washington Post's football correspondent Steven Goff revealed that discussions took place again on Saturday, but that matters are far from sealed. He wrote: "Representatives for D.C. United and Gareth Bale spoke again Saturday, I’m told, but it remains unclear whether this has any chance of coming to fruition. (MLS transfer/trade deadline closes May 4, reopens July 7.)"

With MLS transfer deadline closing in nine days, there could be a resolution to Bale's future as soon as next week, but it is more likely that a decision will be made at the end of his contract with Madrid and the outcome of Wales' play-off match is known.

Bale has been linked with a return to Tottenham in recent days, while hometown club Cardiff City have also been mentioned as a possible destination. He has previously revealed that he would like to play in America at some stage in his career.

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