Thursday 27 August 2015 09:06, UK
Wales boss Chris Coleman says he does not think his key performer Gareth Bale will be leaving Real Madrid during the transfer window.
Bale joined Real for a world-record £85.3m from Tottenham in 2013 but occasionally comes in for criticism from the Spanish club's fans and has regularly been linked with a return to the Premier League.
However, Bale insists he is planning to remain in Spain and Coleman says he would be surprised if any deal goes through.
Asked about the possibility of the 26-year-old returning to England, Coleman said: "I don't see it happening.
"You never know with football but, unless something's been going on behind closed doors that none of us know about, I can't see it.
"The finances involved for signing a player like that are astronomical.
"I see the media speculation, of course, but that's a major, major deal, another world record if he was going to move."
You never know with football but, unless something's been going on behind closed doors that none of us know about, I can't see it. The finances involved for signing a player like that are astronomical.
Bale picked up a toe injury following Real's 0-0 draw at Sporting Gijon last weekend.
However, a scan revealed that he had only suffered bruising and he will be available when Wales face Cyprus and Israel in upcoming European Qualifiers.
Coleman added: "When it initially happened [Bale's injury] you're holding your breath a bit, of course.
"I'd be lying if I said that wasn't the case, but the scan and the feedback was positive, thankfully, so I don't think there's going to be a problem.
"There have been constant conversations with both medical teams - there's a very good relationship there between ourselves and Madrid - but it wasn't as bad as first thought."
Wales top Group B and wins over Cyprus and Israel would put them through to a major tournament for the first time in 58 years.
And Coleman says qualification would almost certainly result in him signing a new deal.
"If that happens - and I believe it will - then we can sit down and talk about me signing a new contract," he said.
"We all went out for dinner [at the World Cup qualifying draw in July] and had a chat.
"But my reason for not wanting to get into negotiations about a new contract is because all I think about is doing this first part of the job - and that's qualifying for France.
"Managing Wales, I've always said, is the biggest job I'll ever have, no matter what happens to me afterwards.
"I don't want to give that up lightly, of course I don't, but I still want to make sure we get this job done.
"That means keeping our focus on this campaign and not worrying about the next one."
