An update has emerged regarding Newcastle's interest in Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale.

What's the talk?

According to Spanish outlet Sport, the Magpies are eyeing the Welsh international as one of a number of signings they are planning for the summer of 2022, with Keylor Navas, Mauro Icardi and Dele Alli also mentioned.

The report claimed that Real Madrid have no intention of offering the 32-year-old a contract extension, which means that Bale will be a free agent at the end of the season.

Get it done

PIF must seal a deal for Bale in January on a pre-contract agreement as he could be a terrific signing for Newcastle and he would not cost a penny in transfer fees. Taking his wages out of the equation for a moment, he would be a bargain addition for the Magpies and give the squad a huge boost both in terms of his profile and ability on the pitch.

Bale has enjoyed an enviable career with Real Madrid, winning four Champions League titles with the Spanish giants. He has scored 106 goals and provided 68 assists in 254 games for the club, including three goals in Champions League finals - a tally only Cristiano Ronaldo has bettered in the history of the competition.

Former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane hailed the £16.2m-rated forward as "spectacular" before the winger signed on loan for Tottenham last year. He said: "For now, Bale is one of our players. The matter still has to be finalised. We're not going to talk about things that don't make sense. Bale has been spectacular."

You may read these statistics and achievements and wonder what he offers in the present day. Well, his form for Tottenham on loan in the 2020/21 campaign shows that he still has the Midas touch in front of goal as he plundered 14 goals and three assists in 17 starts across the Premier League and Europa League. 54 Premier League goals in total is also a mightily eye-catching statistic for supporters to enjoy.

He averaged an excellent WhoScored rating of 7.30 for Spurs in the top flight last term, creating 1.1 chances per game to go along with his 11 goals. This shows that he would bring quality to the Newcastle squad, whilst his profile and reputation as a player could give the club's image a boost and improve the mood amongst the squad as they see such a high-profile signing come through the door.

PIF must now ensure that they can convince him to make the switch at the end of the season, assuming that Real Madrid do not change their mind on his contract situation. It could be a terrific swoop by the Magpies and leave the Toon Army feeling excited ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

AND in other news, Deal offered: PIF making moves to seal first Newcastle transfer, fans must be buzzing...