Gareth Bale will sign a short-term contract up until the World Cup if Wales win their play-off final game on Sunday amid increasing links of a sensational move to his hometown club Cardiff City, according to reports.
The Wales captain, 32, officially announced on Wednesday he is leaving Real Madrid after nine years in the Spanish capital, penning a heartfelt farewell to the club in a classy farewell message on social media. Now, of course, the focus shifts to his next move and where he will end up.
Well, according to Sky Sports, it all hinges on Sunday's World Cup play-off final showdown against either Scotland or Ukraine ( full match details here ), who on Wednesday battle it out for a spot in that fixture at Cardiff City Stadium. If Rob Page's side qualify, it is claimed he will sign a short-term deal, potentially with a Championship club in south Wales, until the Qatar World Cup.
