Transfer of Gareth Bale from Tottenham to Real Madrid is still pie in the sky
Any switch would cost Real Madrid in the region of £50m
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Gareth Bale's potential move to Real Madrid depends on three key events – despite his agent saying he would be "honoured" to speak to the club about the Tottenham winger.
In the first instance, Real are yet to even entertain a figure close to Tottenham's reported asking price of £50m for the Welshman, who scored 31 goals last season and scooped two player of the year awards.
If they get close to the fee demanded by Spurs, a second and third potential obstacle could be that the Spanish club must first sell both Fabio Coentrao and Angel di Maria, who are set to move on following Jose Mourinho's exit.
Bale's agent, Jonathan Barnett, acknowledged Real are interested in his client – which could yet prove to be a bargaining ploy as he negotiates an improved contract at Spurs – but reiterated the fact the player has three years left on his Tottenham deal.
Spurs are yet to open negotiations with the Real president, Florentino Perez, and Barnett added that if it ever got to the stage where the clubs begin to negotiate, the fee would be "much more" than the £50m paid this week by Barcelona for Neymar.
Barnett said: "If Florentino is interested in Gareth Bale it would be an honour and we would listen, but Gareth's contract is with Tottenham.
"We aren't free to speak to anyone. I do not know if there has already been an offer. What I know is that the player has three years left on his contract." Barnett added talks have also not yet started with Tottenham over an improved deal to keep him at White Hart Lane.
On the fee paid for Neymar, Barnett said: "[Bale] is a better player than Neymar and he has shown that in one of the best leagues in the world – the Premier League."
Real and Tottenham forged a partnership last summer as part of the £30m deal that took Luka Modric to the Bernabeu. And Daniel Levy, the Spurs chairman, showed by snubbing Chelsea's bids for the Croatian that he drives a hard bargain.
He has already gone on record to say he will do all he can to keep Bale and other key players at the club.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments