The silly season has started early, with confirmation of summertime moves for big-name managers dominating the headlines. There are the usual transfer rumors, too, especially ones involving the desperate needs of goal-challenged English clubs (namely Manchester United).

But there's still plenty of soccer to be played, and if Sunday is any indication, Gareth Bale will continue to be mentioned as a potential solution for ailing clubs like United.

Bale scored four goals to double his La Liga season tally in Real Madrid's 10-2 trouncing of nine-man Rayo Vallecano, which actually held the lead at the Santiago Bernabeu before having two players sent off in the 12th and 28th minutes.

Rayo led 2-1 after Jozabed scored in the 12th minute. But moments later, the game turned when Tito was given a straight red for a studs-up challenge on Toni Kroos. It was all Real Madrid from there.

Bale brought Real Madrid level with his first goal, a 25th-minute header.

After Raul Baena was given a second yellow for taking down Sergio Ramos in the box, Cristiano Ronaldo converted the penalty to make it 3-2 Real in the 30th minute. That's when things really got out of hand.

Bale scored on a breakaway in the 41st minute for his second goal and a 4-2 halftime lead.

After Karim Benzema scored the first of his three goals and Cristiano Ronaldo added his second, Bale notched his third and fourth goals of the day to make it 8-2 Real.

Benzema added two more goals to complete the lopsided victory, which moved Real Madrid within two points of table-topping Barcelona. The result won't ease the pressure on manager Rafa Benitez, whose shaky status became even more uncertain with the sudden availability of ousted Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.

Speculation will continue to loom over the club, mostly over the future of Benitez but also over the potential sale of Bale. The 10-day Christmas break in Spain will provide plenty of time to discuss the rumors of the day.