'No discussion on Bale loan extension' - Mourinho on Tottenham forward

The Wales international is on a season-long loan from Real Madrid, with the option of a further 12 months, but has had a largely underwhelming return to north London.

“There was not even a second of discussion about that,” Mourinho said. “He is a player on loan until the end of the season, not one second of discussion.

“We are speaking about Gareth, himself, Real Madrid, Tottenham. Not one second of discussion.”

Bale has played just 45 minutes of Premier League action since November 8, having suffered from illness and injury.

Mourinho added: “The Europa League group stage is a different level to the Premier League, in the Premier League he didn’t play many minutes.

“Then another small injury at Stoke where he was having a good first half. Now coming, not an easy process, everyone knew in the last couple of seasons at Madrid it was not easy for him. Let’s go step-by-step and try and get the best out of him.”

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