NEW SIGNING NOT AN ISSUE FOR BALE ..!

..Places at Real Madrid will be up for grabs next season whether or not new faces arrive, believes Gareth Bale.

The Welshman believes that fighting for a spot is part and parcel of being at a big club and has welcomed the challenge Isco has posed him.

Zinedine Zidane's side continue to be linked with a move for Monaco forward Kylian Mbappe, a deal that may be closer to fruition now that Alvaro Morata has left to join Chelsea

He said: "I think that's just football these days. Anywhere you go now in the world - whether it be England, in Germany, here in Spain, in France - there's always big transfers going on. It's just part and parcel of football now."

Regarding Isco, the 28-year-old added: "We don't really play in the same position. Obviously, it's up to the manager what he decides."

"But ultimately, we both want to play - the same for every other player wants to play. I suppose everybody's place is up for grabs."

"Last season was a bit frustrating for me," the Wales international said. "I started the season off very well, but obviously got a major injury where I obviously needed an operation."

"It took a lot longer than expected to come back from. For me now it's about working hard in pre-season, getting back to full fitness, getting my ankle strong and starting off the new season fresh and raring to go."