Zinedine Zidane has reportedly been 'delighted' with the attitude of Gareth Bale at Real Madrid this season and believes that the Welshman could still play a key role in his project at the Bernabeu.

Bale was told by Zidane earlier this summer that, just like in 2017, the winger was not part of his plans at Los Blancos.

The 30-year-old was on the verge of completing a move to Chinese side Jiangsu Suning in a deal which would have seen him earn around £1m per week, but the move fell through at the eleventh hour, leaving Bale seemingly stranded at Madrid.

However, according to ESPN, Bale has forced himself back into Zidane's thinking after his failed China move by working harder than ever in training.

The Wales talisman claimed an assist against Celta Vigo last month and recently secured an impressive brace during a 2-2 draw with Villarreal.

It is also claimed that Zidane still harbours some regret for the club's failure to sign Paul Pogba from Manchester United over the transfer window.