Real Madrid line up contract talks for star attacker

Real Madrid are set to open talks with Gareth Bale over a new contract, reports the Sunday Express.

The Wales international has been a key man for Los Blancos this season, gaining a better WhoScored rating (8.15) than any other Real Madrid player.

His form has attracted interest from a number of teams across the continent, with Manchester City believed to be readying a move for Bale in a signing to appease incoming manager Pep Guardiola.

However, the La Liga side are understandably keen to ward off interest in Bale, who moved to Spain in a world record £85m deal from Tottenham in 2013.

Indeed, the report suggests Real Madrid are ready to hand Bale a £50,000-per-week pay rise in order to convince him to pen a new contract until 2021.

Bale's goal in the 1-0 win over Real Sociedad on Saturday afternoon took his season total to 19 in Spain's top tier, his best return in a campaign since his move to Madrid.

For more stats on Gareth Bale, click here to view his WhoScored player page