Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez has reportedly personally phoned Gareth Bale to ask whether there is an issue between the Welshman and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Talk of a fall-out between the world's two most expensive players developed last season after Ronaldo was seen showing his displeasure at Bale in certain games.

Earlier this week, Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett insisted that there was no problem between the pair, but stopped short of saying that they had a good relationship.

According to Cadena Ser, Benitez phoned Bale while he was on international duty to determine whether there was an underlying problem between the two attackers.

Ronaldo is also said to be unhappy that Bale's position in the Real Madrid team has been altered this season.