By Daily Sports on January 1, 1970

Zinedine Zidane is delighted with Gareth Bale’s change of attitude and believes the Wales international could, along with Eden Hazard, become a key player of his new Real Madrid project, sources have told ESPN FC.

However, the sources added Zidane is still showing some regret for the failed signing of Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba.

During a news conference on July 21, Zidane said Bale’s exit from Madrid would “be best for everyone” but, following a failed move to China, sources have told ESPN FC the 30-year-old forward has forced his way back into the reckoning by working harder than ever in training.

Bale has scored two goals and set up one more in Madrid's first three games of the La Liga campaign.

Bale spoke about the transfer speculation on Thursday ahead of Wales’ European qualifier match against Azerbaijan at Cardiff City Stadium, saying he was not affected by the talk.

“I don’t listen to them [the critics] because they don’t really know what they are on about,” the 30-year-old forward said.

“I know there was a lot of talk with everybody saying good, bad, whatever they wanted. I just kept my head down, kept working hard in training.

“The things that happened will stay private with the club. If you want answers, maybe you need to ask Real Madrid.”

Another footballer who has pleasantly surprised Zidane has been James Rodriguez. Zidane sent James on a two-season loan to Bayern Munich during his first spell in charge, and after the coach returned to the Bernabeu in March it was expected the Colombia international would be sold. (ESPN)

•Photo shows Gareth Bale 

Source Daily Sports

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