Real Madrid management have become exasperated by Gareth Bale.

Ahead of tonight's Champions League clash at Manchester City, Real coach Zinedine Zidane declared Bale had requested he not be considered for selection.

"There is no solution to the Bale problem," a high level Real source told AS.

Zidane confirmed speaking with Bale before the squad flew out from Madrid. And it's been suggested the meeting was 'explosive'.

The same source declared that Bale refused to travel knowing full well that he would not make the pitch tonight.

Zidane's words afterwards have been taken, in a way, as a betrayal by the Welsh player's camp, since they leave Bale at the mercy of the Real support.

And there is a belief inside the club that Bale would happily sit out the final two years of his contract than leave for lesser money.