Gareth Bale is nearing a move to the MLS with Los Angeles FC, sensational reports claim.
The Welshman is a free agent, with his Real Madrid contract expiring at the end of the month.
Bale has been heavily linked with home-city club Cardiff City and reportedly held talks with manager Steve Morison at the club's training ground.
Advert
But Tom Bogert of MLS Soccer is reporting that Bale, fresh from leading Wales to a first World Cup since 1958, looks set to head to Los Angeles on a 12-month contract.
He will link up with Juventus and Italy legend Giorgio Chiellini, who recently penned a deal with the California outfit.
It's said he will not take up one of the designated player spots and so one space will remain open for LAFC.
Wales captain Bale won five Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles with Real, scoring 106 goals after joining in a then world record deal from Spurs in 2013.
The transfer window in the MLS opens officially on July 7, which means both Bale and Chiellini would have to wait until July 8 in the derby against LA Galaxy for their debuts.
LAFC are flying high at the top of the Supporters' Shield table with 30 points from 15 games, with talisman Carlos Vela starring once again.
Should the move go ahead, Bale will become the latest high-profile British player to play across the pond.
David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney all made the switch to the MLS at the end of their careers.
Speaking earlier this month, Bale said he had received "loads" of offers from clubs after announcing his departure from Real.
There was talk that he could remain in La Liga with Getafe, who had apparently been offered Bale.
However, having been asked about his future, Bale stated: "No [I don’t know] but I’m not going to Getafe, that's for sure."
Topics: Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur, Cardiff City, MLS
Josh Lawless