Top European clubs Manchester United and Barcelona eye Tottenham Hotspur’s Gareth Bale
The recent performances shown by Tottenham Hotspur’s Gareth Bale have made him appear on Europe’s big guns’ wish-list.
The Welshman has risen to stardom after his heroic hat-trick at San Siro, while playing against FC Internazionale in the UEFA Champions League. He matched his fantastic form by setting up two goals in the return leg of the fixture
on Tuesday night.
On both ties against Inter Milan, Bale was up against Maicon, who is considered by many as the best full-back in the world. The winger’s blistering pace was no match for the Brazilian defender, as he effortlessly went past the
Inter right-back whenever he liked.
After the 3-1 win over the European champions, Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp heaped praise on his young lad.
He said, “He's got everything. He's got great ability. It's not just his pace, he can run all day, and keep running. He's got the ability to cross, his left-foot is great on the run, he can shoot, dribble, head it, he's got everything.
He's also a great lad. You couldn't meet a nicer, lower-maintenance boy than him. He just comes in and plays his football - Fantastic young boy.”
Bale’s recent displays on the football pitch have attracted the attention of European heavyweights such as FC Barcelona and Manchester United.
Manchester United:
Sir Alex Ferguson has been reported to have made a summer move for the player, and is willing to swap a variety of players in exchange for Bale’s services. Fergie may offer Michael Carrick, Michael Owen and Park Ji Sung to help
sweeten the deal to lure the former Southampton man to Old Trafford.
Although Ferguson enjoys a close working relationship with the Spurs manager, he will only approach the 21-year-old if the player himself makes it clear that he wishes to pursue a move away from North-London.
FC Barcelona:
Barcelona’s sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta has gone public to confirm the Catalan club's interest in Bale. However, the public announcement of Barca’s interest in the Spurs star will be met with anger at White Hart Lane,
and will be seen as an attempt to unsettle the player.
Bale’s Position:
Although Gareth has signed a new five-year contract this May, he may still be tempted to join one of Europe’s elite clubs. Bale, who was unknown to the majority of the continent, has now become Tottenham’s most prized asset; the
player’s worth is rated to be around £25-35 million.
Despite Redknapp’s constant assertions that Bale is not for sale, the player might consider a move elsewhere if the Spurs fail to qualify for the Champions League next season. Whether he decides to switch clubs or not, the 21-year-old
certainly has a brilliant future ahead of him.
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