GARETH BALE’S move back to Tottenham has been described as “close” – with bookies suspending betting on the stunning switch.
The Welshman is in talks with his old side over a loan move that would see him link up with Jose Mourinho.
Gareth Bale has been training away from the Real Madrid squad after returning from Wales actionCredit: Getty Images – Getty
A deal is “complicated” but “close”, according to Jonathan BarnettCredit: Getty – Contributor
Jonathan Barnett, the player’s agent, insists there are vital details still to be hammered out in talks between the three parties.
But a deal is nearing completion, amid rival interest from Manchester United.
Barnett told AFP: “It’s close but not done.
“It’s a complicated deal.”
Bale’s £650,000-a-week wage bill is thought to be a major negotiating topic in the loan deal.
Spurs, who are also in talks to sign Real left-back Sergio Reguilon, want to seal the switch before United can fully enter the running.
And bookies stopped taking bets on the transfer on Wednesday.
Having shortened the odds as low as 1/6, Ladbrokes announced at lunchtime that they had suspended the market.
Bale is thought to be keen to return to North London having left in 2013 for £85million.
Last month, the 31-year-old opened the door to a Premier League return after Madrid pulled the plug on a move to China last year.
He stated: “If [Premier League] options arise it is something I’d look at for sure.
“We’ll see what happens, we have plenty of time in this transfer window and a couple of others as well.
Real Madrid want to get Bale and his £650,000 weekly salary off their mammoth wage bill
“Time will tell but mainly I think the reason is that the decision is in Real Madrid’s hands.
“I tried to leave last year but they blocked everything at the last second. It was a project I was excited for but it didn’t materialise.
“There have been other instances where we have tried to go but the club won’t allow it or they’ve done something. It’s down to the club.
“I want to play football, I am still motivated to play football, so I guess it’s on the club.”
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Gareth Bale close to Tottenham return as Spurs hijack Man Utd transfer plans
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
