REAL MADRID star Gareth Bale has been fined £300,000 by Spanish tax authorities for image rights issues, according to reports in Spain.

Spanish outlet El Mundo claims the fine relates to an incident in 2013 - the year he joined Los Blancos from old club Tottenham.

Spain's treasury claims the Welsh star, 29, owes tax on his commercial income from the year.

Bale is said to owe £180,000 in tax, to go with a £90,000 sanction fee and interest of £30,000 - to tally a whopping £300,000.

The former Spurs ace is said to have raked in advertising revenue through London-based company, Primesure Limited.

Bale is a director of the company he set up in 2007 - making parents Debbie and Frank fellow directors.

The 72-cap Wales star has been notified of the fine and has already appealed, according to El Mundo.

Despite not considering Bale as a tax resident in Spain for 2013, the Spanish Treasury believes the commercial income the Welshman earned whilst playing for Real Madrid in 2013 should have been taxed in Spain at 19 per cent.

Unlike other footballers in trouble with the Spanish tax authorities, Bale's case is not being considered as a fiscal crime.

Several Real Madrid players have had problems with the Spanish tax authorities in recent months including Luka Modric, Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo.