REAL MADRID coach Rafael Benitez remains confident Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema will both still be at the Bernabeu this coming season despite ongoing speculation about their futures.
Bale has long been linked with a move to Manchester United and, with Angel di Maria poised to leave Old Trafford for Paris St Germain, fresh talk about a possible bid for the world's most expensive player has reemerged in the media. It is a similar story with Benzema, with Arsenal the latest in a long line of reported suitors believed to be keen on the 27-year-old France international.
However, new Madrid boss Benitez is not expecting either forward to be leaving the club any time soon. He told a press conference ahead of Tuesday's Audi Cup clash against Tottenham in Munich: "Gareth is a huge player for us and I know that he's happy.
"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."
On speculation about Benzema, former Liverpool boss Benitez added: "My answer is that I think Benzema is going to stay with us. I'm very happy with him. There's no reason to think that he's going to go."
Another player whose future has been heavily in the spotlight this summer is Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea. Real want to bring the former Atletico Madrid number one back to the Spanish capital, but so far United have only wanted do a deal with the 10-time European champions if defender Sergio Ramos joins the Red Devils in return.
Asked about De Gea, Benitez said: "I've said in five previous press conferences that I don't want to talk about players who are in other teams. We have three very good 'keepers. I can talk about them, not other goalkeepers."
