The new season is just around the corner, which means that the annual transfer frenzy should start any time soon. The weekend saw some big news break, including the departure of a Real Madrid star effectively confirmed and Bayern Munich targeting a Premier League ace in their attempts to sign a new winger before the start of the Bundesliga season. Let's have a look at the 10 biggest stories from the past couple of days...

Despite scoring over 100 goals for the club and netting in two Champions League finals, Gareth Bale's time at Real Madrid appears to over. Zinedine Zidane has made it 100% clear that the Wales international has no future at the Santiago Bernabeu, stating over the weekend, "We hope he leaves soon. It would be best for everyone. We are working on his transfer to a new team". A move away from the La Liga club may not be bad financially, with it being reported that Beijing Guoan want to make him the best-paid footballer in history.

Bayern Munich have made no secret of their desire to bring in Leroy Sane this summer as they look to replace wingers Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben, both of whom left the club at the end of the last campaign. Over the weekend, it was reported that the Bundesliga champions had made an offer of cash plus left-back David Alaba for the Germany international. However, this was not entertained by the Citizens, who do not want to see the 23-year-old leave. Niko Kovac and co have made a similar approach to Barcelona for Ousmane Dembele, but that appears to have been met with the same response.

Romelu Lukaku's agent has already stated that the Belgium international is looking for a move away from Old Trafford this summer, so it should come as no surprise that Internazionale, who are targeting the 26-year-old, made a bid for the striker. However, the £53.9m bid was not enough for the Red Devils, who are looking for more than they paid to Everton for the former Chelsea man's services in 2017. It remains to be seen whether another bid will be lodged.

Wolves' midfield is already brimming with talent. Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho were impressive last season and played big roles as the Midlands outfit qualified for the Europa League, whilst Morgan Gibbs-White is an up-and-coming talent. However, they still feel they can improve in that area, with it being reported that Nuno Espirito Santo and co are hunting Mainz 05's Jean-Philippe Gbamin. Monaco are also interested, but both clubs will need to match the €30m (£27m)-€40m (£36m) valuation the German club have for the 23-year-old.

Following Laurent Koscielny's refusal to go on Arsenal's pre-season tour of the US, a move for the 33-year-old this summer is likely. And it is now being reported that the centre-back has agreed personal terms with Stade Rennais ahead of a return to Ligue 1.  The two clubs are yet to find an accord in regards to a transfer fee and other details, but this appears to be a transfer that could go through and would make sense for all parties.

It has not been a good summer so far for Bayern Munich, especially in their attempts to sign a winger. Their pursuits of Leroy Sane and Ousmane Dembele are yet to bring anything concrete, just like their interest in Callum Hudson-Odoi. There appears to be another target on their radar, though: Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha. It has been reported that the Bavarian club are considering a bid for the Ivory Coast international. At this point, though, no official offer has been lodged.

A fruitful summer for Tottenham has already seen the arrival of Tanguy Ndombele and Jack Clarke (although the latter was immediately loaned back to Leeds), and there could be more to come. It is being reported that Spurs are closing in on the signing of Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon. Since telling the Cottagers he wanted to leave the club during this transfer window, a move has been on the cards and, following a breakthrough during talks, the 19-year-old could be a Lilywhites player very soon.

Nabil Fekir became a household name in European football during the 2017/18 season as he scored 23 goals in 40 games primarily from midfield for Lyon. The past campaign was not as impressive, but there are still several clubs interested in the France international, including Serie A's Napoli. It is being reported that the Italian club have even made an offer to the player, although they are yet to make a concrete proposition to Fekir's employers. It is also understood that the 26-year-old has an agreement in place with Real Betis, so it remains to be seen where he ends up.

With the amount of a talent in Chelsea squad, it is difficult for the club's young talent to find a way into the starting XI. As such, many of them are loaned out in order to gain playing experience. The latest of those to be shipped out temporarily is Ethan Ampadu. The 18-year-old has joined Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig on a one-year loan deal. Blues boss Frank Lampard said of the move, "I tried to sign Ethan on loan at Derby last year so I’m a big fan, but with the minutes he played last year, in the interest of Ethan and of Chelsea, the idea he can play a lot of games somewhere could be good for him."

James Rodriguez has spent the last two years on loan at Bayern Munich, so it is fair to assume that he is not in the plans of manager Zinedine Zidane. According to Spanish outlet Marca, Los Merengues are prepared to see the Colombia international leave for just €40m (£36m), and they would also not block a move to Madrid rivals Atletico in an attempt to move him out of the door.