Ramon Calderon backs new Madrid deal for Gareth Bale

Omnisports

March 22, 2016 7:50 AM

Reports Real Madrid are readying a contract extension for Gareth Bale have been backed by the club's former president Ramon Calderon.

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Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon believes it would be wise to offer Gareth Bale a new deal at the club.

Reports over the weekend suggested Bale could be in line for a two-year extension to his existing contract – which still has three years left to run – and a pay rise.

The Wales international became the top-scoring British player in La Liga history on Sunday when he netted for the 43rd time in 76 appearances for Madrid during the 4-0 win over Sevilla.

Bale has 15 goals in 18 Liga games this season – an excellent return on the back of a testing second campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu, where his stock fell with the Madrid support and he was linked with a move to Manchester United.

His form this time around comes despite persistent trouble with a calf injury, which has contributed to the decision for Bale to be rested for Wales' forthcoming friendlies against fellow Euro 2016 qualifiers Northern Ireland and Ukraine.

"It's quite reasonable that they are [reportedly] offering him the contract extension," Calderon, who was Madrid president from 2006 to 2009, said in quotes reported by BBC Sport.

"We are not a selling club. We are a buying club. We've got him and we'd like to have him for a long, long time.

"It's not unusual [for Bale to be linked to other clubs]. No doubt a lot of clubs in Europe would like to have him. He's a top player.

"He's showing that here with Real Madrid. He's scoring goals and playing quite well.

"He did it very well against Sevilla and everyone here is very happy."

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