Dean Windass has virtually ruled out Gareth Bale returning to Tottenham for a third time.

The Welshman made a sensational return to north London on a season-long loan spell last summer after being forced out due to his toxic relationship Zinedine Zidane.

Bale hardly featured during the first half of the campaign, but his blistering goalscoring form from February onwards led to the possibility of a third return.

However, Zidane left Real Madrid and the end of last season and was replaced by Carlo Ancelotti, the man who signed Bale from Tottenham back in 2013, which appeared to end any possibility of the 32-year-old re-joining.

Bale was asked about his future by Sky Sports on the final day of the Premier League season, but revealed that his answer would cause chaos and said he would wait until after the Euro's.

However, Bale hasn't touched on his Madrid future since Wales were knocked out by Denmark in the last 16, although the fact he's already featured in pre-season would suggest he's remaining with the Spanish giants for the final year of his deal.

Windass exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:

"I think with Zidane leaving, that'll be a relief for Gareth. He's got a new manager, it's a fresh slate. The only unhappiness was him and Zidane.

"He's clearly happy living there, because he's always dug his heels in, I can only see Gareth Bale staying another two years and then retiring. I can't see him going back to Tottenham, not in a breath."