Transfer news: Jonathan Barnett, agent of Gareth Bale claims another club offered 'a lot more money' for winger than Real Madrid

Representative also reveals the £86m deal came close to 'falling apart'

Gareth Bale celebrates after providing the assist for one of Cristiano Ronaldo's goals against Galatasaray in the Champions League (GETTY IMAGES)

Gareth Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett has confirmed that another club, which he would not name, had made a higher offer for the Welshman than Real Madrid, and that the world-record £86m transfer to the La Liga side was close to "falling apart".

"The signing of Bale came close to falling apart. Tottenham made a bid for Bale to stay," Barnett told Spanish football television show Jugones. "Meetings were not always peace and love, some were harsh with disagreements."

Barnett revealed that Bale had requested a few days off from training with Tottenham as the battle between Madrid and Spurs for his signature began to wear the winger down.

"He needed a few days off so he asked permission from Tottenham [to go to Marbella]," Barnett said. "The player spoke to no-one, he was not with anyone and he saw no-one. He’s strong, but that must have been torture for him."

Barnett revealed that another club, which he would not name, had offered "a lot more money" for Bale. On Tuesday, the Real Madrid president Florentino Perez claimed that Manchester United had made an offer for the 24-year-old.

"The Spanish press didn’t understand why Tottenham weren’t agreeing to the money, but if Tottenham needed money the deal would have been done the first day. Moreover, there was a club that offered more money than Real Madrid. A lot more money."

Bale has made two appearances for Madrid so far and scored on his debut at Villarreal, but missed last nights match against Elche with a muscle injury.