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LONDON. — Gareth Bale is “furious” with Tottenham’s handling of his proposed transfer. And Bale yesterday failed to report to training as requested following a club-authorised break in Marbella. The Wales international was expected to meet up with his Spurs teammates yesterday but he did not turn up and is increasingly frustrated with how the English Premiership soccer club are dealing with the situation.
Reports emerged over the bank holiday weekend suggesting Spanish giants Real Madrid were not the only club to make an approach for him, with Manchester United also linked with the player.
Bale himself now appears to be losing patience as the clock ticks down towards the close of the transfer window on September 2, with his world record £86m move to Madrid in the balance.
Following the goalless draw with Chelsea on Monday night, David Moyes was asked if United is the club in question and the Scot responded with “no”.
However, with Moyes enduring a frustrating summer in the transfer market so far, it would be a surprise if United do not make any further moves before the transfer window closes next week.
Regarding possible interest in Bale, Moyes told Sky Sports: “I said at the start that Manchester United will always be interested in the best players and we’ll always be looking to try and improve the team.
“The owners have given me every opportunity to get who I want so we’ll continue to look for those players. It’s been tough in this window, but we’re always looking at the best players.”
Bale (24) is the subject of a world-record £86m bid by Spanish giants Real Madrid, but Spurs say no agreement has been reached.
Tottenham have received a separate offer in addition to Real Madrid’s bid.
The second bidder’s identity is not known, but Manchester United have been linked with the player this summer. Tottenham had instructed Bale to return to training yesterday, but no reasons have been given for his failure to report to the club’s training ground.
Real Madrid have made two different offers for Bale and are waiting to see if Tottenham accept either one.
Bale was not at White Hart Lane on Sunday as Tottenham beat Swansea 1-0, courtesy of Roberto Soldado’s second-half penalty, but Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas defended the player’s absence.
“We allowed him two days off,” said the former Chelsea manager after the match. “It’s not the first time this has come up. We never force non-selected players to come to our games. I decided that last season.”
Real Madrid’s next home game will be on Sunday against Athletic Bilbao, a day before the transfer window closes on September 2.
Bale, who joined Spurs in a £10m deal from Southampton in 2007, was named player of the year by both the Professional Footballers’ Association and Football Writers last season after scoring 26 goals for the White Hart Lane side. Madrid have already spent in excess of £50m this summer, bringing in Spanish midfielders Asier Illarramendi from Real Sociedad and Malaga’s Isco for £34m and £23m respectively. — Sky Sports.
Online Reporter