Bale poised for Spurs switch
Gareth Bale looks set to star in the white of Spurs
Also In The News
|
Good, bad or just the same old, same old. |  |
Thursday, 24, May 2007 09:08
Southampton left-back Gareth Bale appears to be on the brink of a big-money switch to Tottenham Hotspur.
Reports claim that the 17-year-old defender has completed a medical at White Hart Lane after he pulled out of Wales international squad with an ankle injury.
Saints' manager George Burley had earlier this week denied frenzied speculation linking his protege to the Premiership side, but it now appears that an initial fee of £6 million, with the potential to rise to £10 million, has prised the youngster from his grasp.
Southampton's recent play-off semi-final defeat to Derby combined with the single year left on Bale's contract made a summer move likely for the much-coveted player.
However it had been predicted that Bale may hold out for a move to champions Manchester United or to follow former room-mate Theo Walcott to Arsenal with both clubs said to be interested.
Rumours that Martin Jol had seen an offer of £10 million fail in January after Bale declined to agree terms despite the St Mary's board approving the fee strengthened those theories.
But it appears the promise of first-team football has now convinced Bale to join up with the Dutchman's young squad.