Hull City's Championship rivals 'stepping up' Gareth Bale quest

Cardiff City are said to be stepping up their efforts to sign Wales hero Gareth Bale with a growing hope in South Wales that the winger could be lining up against Hull City in next season's Championship.

Bale guided his country to their first World Cup in 64 years on Sunday evening when his deflected free-kick proved to be the only goal in their 1-0 play-off victory against Ukraine at the Cardiff City Stadium, but speculation is growing about where he'll be playing his football next season after leaving Real Madrid.

It had been suggested that the Wales captain was considering retirement had World Cup qualification not been assured, and now, speculation is growing about his next destination, and according to BBC Sport, City's Championship rivals are 'stepping up' their efforts to convince Bale to sign for the Bluebirds in what would be a significant move.

Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman is flying into the UK to lead negotiations with Bale, the BBC say, though they could face competition from his former club Tottenham and the MLS, with a move to the US also mooted for the 32-year-old.

Born in Cardiff, Bale has played for Southampton, Spurs and Madrid, but is yet to play club football in Wales and with a desperation to play in the World Cup this winter in Qatar, a move to the Championship has not been ruled out. It has been suggested Cardiff could offer Bale longer terms than just a one-year deal in a bid to guide them back to the top flight.

Prior to his departure from the Bernabeu after clinching a fifth Champions League crown in nine seasons in Spain, Bale was believed to be earning £600,000 per week, more than the entire weekly wage bill at Cardiff City meaning any move to the second tier of English football would see