Rafa Benitez warns Manchester United off 'huge player' Gareth Bale

Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez has warned potential suitors that Gareth Bale is not for sale this summer.

The Welsh winger has been linked with a return to the Premier League, with the Daily Express claiming Manchester United would consider a stunning £86m ($134.1m) bid for the player.

However, Benitez insists the former Tottenham Hotspur star remains a "huge" player at the Santiago Bernabeu and has no interest in letting him leave for pastures new.

"Gareth is a huge player for us and I know that he's happy," said the Spaniard, according to Sky Sports. "I'm not going to talk about offers. Everything is well and he's going to have a good season with us I'm sure."

Bale secured his dream move to Los Blancos in the summer of 2013 and enjoyed an impressive first campaign with the Spanish giants. His goals in both the Copa del Rey and Champions League finals helped secure two trophies under Carlo Ancelotti.

However, things did not go according to plan last term, with the 26-year-old feeling the wrath of both the Madrid fans and media after a handful of disappointing performances. He was labelled greedy and also suffered a calf strain towards the end of the season. That has led to constant speculation over his future in the Spanish capital but with the backing of new manager Benitez, a move away now looks even more unlikely.

United boss Louis van Gaal does have funds to play with thanks to the lucrative Adidas kit deal and imminent sale of Angel di Maria but unless the Red Devils blow the budget with a record-breaking offer, it appears they will need to look elsewhere to add the "'speed and creativity" the Dutchman is looking for at Old Trafford.