Gareth Bale's agent denies Manchester United link

Our fair city is currently hosting the Soccerex conference; a meeting of football's grands fromages and other assorted contemptibles at the Manchester Central convention centre. One of those speaking today has been Gareth Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett, who denied that his client had recently been close to moving to Manchester United:

Bale's agent Barnett asked if he's come close to joining United in last 6 months: "no. He's very happy at Real Madrid"

— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) September 8, 2015

He added that Bale's perfectly happy to stay in Madrid for the long haul, despite the Welshman being subject to criticism from the supporters during a run of poor form last season:

At @Soccerex, @GarethBale11's agent says the player wants to end career at Real Madrid (He's unlikely to say Bale's thinking about leaving)

— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) September 8, 2015

But then again, he also said this, so maybe we shouldn't believe anything he says at all:

Bale's agent Barnett: "Football is better than it's ever been - everything is wonderful ... a lot has to do with agents making it happen"

— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) September 8, 2015