LAFC close to agreeing Gareth Bale deal – sources

LAFC is close to a deal to bring Real Madrid and Wales star Gareth Bale to Major League Soccer, sources have told ESPN.

The blockbuster move would be a free transfer as Bale’s contract is up with Real Madrid and is expected to be completed using Targeted Allocation Money (TAM), as first reported by MLSSoccer.com, leaving the club with an open Designated Player slot.

He would be eligible to play for LAFC when the MLS transfer window opens July 7, meaning he could first feature against rival Los Angeles Galaxy at home the following day.

Sources told ESPN that Bale will fly out at the end of the week after a short break and sign a deal until end of this season with the option of another year.

The move comes after LAFC, which leads the MLS Supporters’ Shield race, signed longtime Italy and Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini earlier this month.

ESPN’s Taylor Twellman said: “Carlos Vela has resigned with @LAFC as a DP until the end of ’23. Bale & Chiellini are TAM players.”

In eight seasons with Real Madrid, Bale was part of five Champions League-winning sides and twice won La Liga. He scored 97 goals between La Liga (80) and the Champions League (17), which came after a $106 million move from Tottenham before the 2013-14 season.

Bale is set to represent Wales at the World Cup this winter, which will open the tournament against the United States on Nov. 21.

ESPN FC’s Alex Kirkland and Mark Ogden contributed to this report.