WALES manager Chris Coleman says he expects Gareth Bale to stay at Real Madrid beyond the transfer window, but admits he’s still slightly concerned about a toe injury to his star man.

Bale has constantly been linked to a return to the Barclays Premier League with Manchester United one of the clubs understood to be willing to break the world transfer record for the Welshman's signature.

The 26-year-old - who became the world's most expensive player when he left Tottenham for Spain for £85.3million in 2013 - has often found himself vilified by Real fans when his form has dipped, but he has pledged to stay at Madrid where he is expected to be utilised as a number 10 and Coleman says he does not believe that situation will change before the transfer window closes next week.

"I don't see it happening," Coleman said when asked about Bale possibly moving back to English football.

"You never know with football but, unless something's been going on behind closed doors that none of us know about, I can't see it.

"The finances involved for signing a player like that are astronomical.

"I see the media speculation, of course, but that's a major, major deal - another world record if he was going to move."

Coleman was speaking at a press conference to announce his squad for the forthcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers against Cyprus and Israel.

He had a scare this week when Bale, who has scored five of Wales' eight goals during the Euro 2016 campaign, needed a scan on a painful toe following Real's goalless draw at Sporting Gijon on Sunday.

But an X-ray revealed only bruising and Bale will be available for both games, although Liverpool's Joe Allen has been ruled out with a hamstring injury and joins fellow holding midfielders Emyr Huws and David Vaughan on the sidelines.

"When it initially happened (Bale's injury) you're holding your breath a bit, of course," Coleman said.

"I'd be lying if I said that wasn't the case, but the scan and the feedback was positive thankfully. So I don't think there's going to be a problem.

"There have been constant conversations with both medical teams - there's a very good relationship there between ourselves and Madrid - but it wasn't as bad as first thought.

“We expect him to play (for Madrid) this weekend. We wouldn’t expect him to be rested for Wales. It doesn’t work like that, nor should it.”

Coleman believes Bale can benefit from the change of role he’s set to be given in Spain, with new boss Rafa Benitez set to deploy him centrally.

“I haven’t spoken with Rafa yet, I will go to Madrid and chat with him, I think Bale centrally for us is key, because we can get him on the ball more.

“We give him a bit of a free role, to allow him to be more destructive.

“I can see why Rafa is looking at that. I think what happened (with him having a hard time) was good for him last season.

“He knew the scrutiny he’d be under before he arrived. He has some negative publicity last year, he’s a favourite of the President, so perhaps there was a hidden agenda.

“But he’s grown from the experience. And that’s why I don’t think he’ll come home in this window. He wants to stay out there and do well for Madrid.”