Rafael Benitez plans to build his Real Madrid team around Gareth Bale as he closes in on replacing Carlo Ancelotti, according to Daily Mirror.
The former Liverpool and Chelsea boss is understood to have impressed Real Madrid bosses after talks earlier this month and it is understood that the Spanish coach plans to centre his arrival and plans around Welsh winger Bale.
Bale has struggled to find consistent form this season, ending up with a fan backlash and calls from former players and coaches to the club to sell the former Tottenham Hotspur winger.
However, Benitez believes that Bale is still worth his £86m transfer fee and can go on to become one of the club’s greatest players.
Benitez is now “99%” certain to take over from Ancelotti, who endured a tough season trying to match the quality and success of Luis Enrique’s Barcelona.
Bale had a hugely successful first year in which Real Madrid won the Champions League but his second season has led to speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United.
United will now be waiting with baited breath on whether or not Benitez takes over later this week after a press conference was called with current club Napoli.