Bale has enjoyed a less-than-perfect start to his Bernabeu career, and has thus far struggled to replicate the form that saw him purchased for £86million.
And French newspaper Le 10 Sport are already suggesting that he could move back to the Premier League if his experiences in Spain don't improve, with Manchester United said to be retaining a keen interest.
Ryan Giggs retire at the end of the year and Bale could step into his boots.