Ancelotti: Madrid searching for Bale 'solution'

The Italian trainer effectively revealed that Los Blancos are hoping to sign the Wales international before the close of the summer transfer window

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that club officials are hoping to find a "solution" to their problematic pursuit of Tottenham star Gareth Bale.

The 24-year-old winger has been heavily linked with a summer switch to the Santiago Bernabeu, with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy finally caving on Wednesday and agreeing to negotiate over a 115 million-euro deal.

"It's difficult to talk about Bale because he doesn't play for Real Madrid," Ancelotti told reporters in Los Angeles on Wednesday. "We'll see what happens; I'm happy with the current squad.

"I have not spoken to Bale. Usually I do not speak to players from other teams.

"The club are looking for a solution in the case of Bale, though there are no new developments with regards to this."

Ancelotti also revealed that Madrid is enjoying a setback-free preseason to date and is pleased with the increasing fitness in a number of his players, including Xabi Alonso and Kaka.

"We've only had a small problem with [Asier] Illarramendi but today he has begun to run," he added. "The recoveries of Xabi and [Raphael] Varane are going well.

"Kaka is working hard, he is going to improve but we need time because he has to improve his strength and his fitness."

Madrid is in the USA to take part in the Guinness International Champions Cup, which kicks off for the Blancos with a clash against LA Galaxy in Phoenix on Thursday.