Rob Page reveals 'difficulty' over Gareth Bale's next move as Cardiff City step up talks

Wales boss Rob Page insists he still has no idea where Gareth Bale will end up this summer as hometown club Cardiff City step up efforts to complete an audacious swoop.

It's understood Bluebirds chairman Mehmet Dalman has flown in to step up talks over a move for the Wales skipper, who is currently a free agent after leaving Real Madrid.

However, it appears Bale has not yet discussed his future with Page, who issued a blunt, albeit good-natured reply when quizzed on the future of his star man.

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"No," Page initially replied when asked if he knew where Bale would end up.

When pressed further, he added: "He understands what he needs to do. Gareth's problems in the past have been when he's not playing week in, week out.

"There was the Belarus game when he was undercooked coming into camp and ended up getting a little tweak in his calf, so he understands he needs to play. That will be his plan. I'm not lying when I say I haven't got a clue what he's doing. I haven't had that conversation yet. I will do, but I haven't up until now. It's up to him and his family to decide what's best for him to get him in the right frame of mind for November.

"It's going to be as simple as that. It might even be as short term as that. He's worked ever so hard throughout his career. He's the ultimate professional and he's earned the right to lead our country at a World Cup.

"Whatever he does from now until then is really important for him to get himself in the very best physical condition."

There had previously been a suggestion Bale would likely retire were Wales to fail in their bid to reach their first World Cup since