Zinedine Zidane has told Manchester United and other clubs around the world that Real Madrid star Gareth Bale is not for sale.

The Wales international, who signed for the Spanish giants for a record £85m from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013, has been linked with a return to the Premier League.

United have been touted as one potential suitor, as have Chelsea, but despite Bale having his critics in Spain, Zidane has insisted that the club want to keep the 25-year-old at the Bernabeu.

"Real Madrid buy the best players in the world, they don't sell them," The Express quotes Zidane as saying.

"Of course other clubs will be interested in him, he would improve any squad in the world, but the president has said he is not for sale and that is because he is not for sale. That will be the answer to Manchester United or any other club that asks the question."

Zidane currently coaches the club's reserve team.