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LONDON. — Defiant Gareth Bale is determined not to be forced out of Real Madrid, despite the campaign of vitriol being aimed his way in Spain.

Manchester United and Manchester City head the queue of clubs willing to rescue Bale, the world’s most expensive player, after his difficult second season in La Liga hit a fresh low on Sunday night.

The Welshman, signed from Tottenham for £86 million in summer 2013, had his car kicked and punched by fans in Madrid after Real’s El Clasico away defeat by arch-rivals Barcelona.

Bale was also panned in the Spanish press for his contribution at the Nou Camp, where Real were beaten 2-1 to fall four points behind the table-topping hosts in the title race.

Spanish newspaper AS refused to give the 25-year-old ANY mark in their ratings. Another, Marca, wrote: “It’s obvious (president Florentino) Perez has paid €100m for someone worth €20m.”

But Bale, who scored in the finals of the Copa del Rey and Champions League last year to help his team win both trophies, is understood to be insistent that he can re-establish his reputation.

United are ready, along with City, to test his desire to remain in La Liga beyond this summer.

Bale’s car was set upon as he left the Valdebebas training base on Sunday night after the squad flew home from Barcelona. As he pulled away, one fan struck the window at the driver’s side with a fist and also hit out at the boot.

Team-mates Jese and Sergio Ramos were also involved in confrontations with supporters, but it is Bale for whom the flashpoint is the latest in a troubled campaign. — The Mirror.