The Welsh ace has been linked with several Premier League clubs, but a new, surprise contender has emerged as a potential suitor.

Real Madrid is expected to be one of the most active teams in the upcoming transfer window, and Gareth Bale's situation will surely attract a lot of interest from teams around the world.

A report by English website TeamTalk, as per As, reveals that even though Bale has been linked with a return to the Premier League with either Manchester United, Tottenham or Chelsea, the player's final destination could be nowhere near Britain.

The source has reportedly told the English outlet that Bayern München has emerged as Bale's top option to leave Real Madrid this summer. With Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery leaving the club this summer, Die Roten need a player that can carry the weight of the team for the next few years, with Bale fitting that role just fine.

"It's a transfer that seduces all those involved, including the player. Who wouldn't love to play for Bayern München?" the source told TeamTalk.

The good relationship between Real Madrid and Bayern execs would be crucial to see this deal happen. Bayern has been linked with several top-caliber moves to re-build their ageing squad, which has been eliminated from the UEFA Champions League and ois currently fighting toe-to-toe with Borussia Dortmund for the Bundesliga title.

But even if both parties want this deal to be done, the Welshman's wage will be a massive hurdle to overcome for any team interested in the player's services, especially since some clubs have held back in their attempts to sign Bale due to the massive salary he earns with the Spanish giants.