Gareth Bale.

Over the last few years, he has been one of the most popular soccer players on the planet.

In 2012-13, he was the man to take the Premier League by storm. In 2013-14, he made headlines with his expensive transfer to Real Madrid. And then, later in the season, it was the classic "bust or no bust?" question that dominated headlines about the player. He made doubters into believers with two big goals in Cup finals.

And now he is back in the headlines. But as a major transfer target.

The last few weeks have seen rumors about Manchester United looking to get the great Welshman on its roster. The rumors have grown so outlandish that Angel Di Maria is apparently being designated as part of the package to land him at Old Trafford. And more recently, Chelsea was mentioned as a team involved with the Gareth Bale sweepstakes. 

The obvious question is "Why is Bale getting shopped?"

This question brings to light just how silly the entire idea is altogether. And here are a number of reasons why.

First off, Bale has delivered since arriving at Madrid. He has delivered in ways that arguably Cristiano Ronaldo has dreamt of.

Both players scored the game winners of the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, but Bale did it in outlandish fashion with a tremendous display of speed and skill that even Ronaldo cannot claim to have (the speed part, not the skill).

He then did what Ronaldo has yet to do -- score the winner in the Champions League final. It was Bale who delivered La Decima with a tremendous header of a rebound left by Thibaut Courtois of Atletico Madrid.

Bale also scored over 20 goals for the team and currently has six goals and four assists for the team in 11 matches. He is on pace to smash the mark he set last season, even when not at his best.

So where are the rumors coming from?

Over the last few weeks, Bale has been injured, allowing for Isco to get a starting spot for Madrid. And the Spaniard has shined in every way asked of him. He defends, he creates, he assists and he makes everyone around him better.

Prior to Bale's injury, there were concerns that he was not playing his best soccer. And yet, he had four goals and three assists to show for it.

With Isco at his best, many were wondering if Bale's spot in the starting XI was safe. Would he be relegated to the bench with Isco and James Rodriguez playing so well?

Then there were rumors that coach Carlo Ancelotti was unsatisfied with Bale's lack of defensive presence, something both Rodriguez and Isco were working hard at.

But Bale was reinserted into the lineup at the first opportunity and delivered with a great goal early on.

If he continues scoring at this pace, there is no reason to doubt his continued inclusion in the lineup. It is essential to remember that he is only 25, five years younger than Ronaldo. While Jese is being groomed to be the next Ronaldo, Bale is already a few steps ahead and could still transform into the team's top attacker as Ronaldo's form declines (if it declines).

There is no reason to sell Bale at this point, especially after his inaugural season and continued productivity. If anything, Madrid will be happy to have depth and rest top players on occasion.