Topics: La Liga, Real Madrid, Gareth Bale, Zinedine Zidane, Jonathan Barnett
While Los Blancos' boss believes that the Welshman will play a key role for him for the rest of the season, the player seems to have other plans.

The pre-match press conference for Zinedine Zidane was filled with questions about Gareth Bale, and while the former footballer tried to keep things calm regarding the Welshman's future, there might be hints on the star's possible departure this winter.

The 1998 World Cup winner tried to end all speculation regarding his relationship with Bale by stating how he was aware of his fitness levels despite them not being revealed to the public.

"There's a lot of talk, but we get along just fine. He puts in a good effort and he trains, but when he's not available, he is not available and that's it. All those rumors come because you like to keep talking, but when he is 100% fit, you know the player he can be. He's fully focused and whenever he can, he plays spectacularly for the team," Zidane said.

The French legend detailed how Bale did not go AWOL during the past days, as he informed the necessary authorities to make a trip to deal with personal issues.

"He spoke directly to the club because it was a personal problem. It's up to him to let me know. He has the right to deal with that issue and that's it," Zidane added.

The tactician added that a particular portion of the Spanish media will keep the Bale transfer saga on their front pages to satisfy their interests, even though there may not be anything to write about.

"We all knew the situation during the summer, but he stayed and it has worked out for everyone. If you guys (the media) want me to enter a tug of war with him, well...He's an important member of the team. If he stays after the winter transfer window, some of you will write that he will leave during the summer, it's something that will not change shortly," the coach stated.

Regardless of Zidane's words, Spanish media outlet Deportes Cuatro revealed that Bale flew to London to have a discussion about his future with his agent, Jonathan Barnett. Added to that, the Welshman had a meeting with a doctor that will give him a second opinion on the injury he picked up while on International duty with Wales.

"An exclusive by Deportes Cuatro: We caught Gareth Bale at agent Barnett's offices in London. His injury and his future where the main topics of discussion."

According to the Spanish media outlet, Bale's meeting with his agent concluded after 40 minutes.

So, will Bale leave this winter? All we can assure right now is that he will not be playing for Real Madrid when they clash against Leganés on Wednesday.