The Chinese Football Association has introduced a salary cap, reducing the chances of a transfer involving Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale.

Earlier this year, the Wales international was allegedly due to earn a lucrative deal worth £62m per year before Real opted to end negotiations over his exit.

Speculation has persisted over an eventual departure for the attacker, with Chinese Super League clubs continuing to hold an interest.

However, it was announced on Christmas Day that players would be restricted to earning no more than £2m per year after tax.

While clubs can now sign up to five foreign players, rather than four, the alteration of the rules may end the possibility of Bale plying his trade in China next year.