[ad_1]
The Welsh winger has been linked to a return to the Premier League although talks between the two clubs are proving “difficult” according to his agent.
Gareth Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett says Tottenham is “close” to signing the Real Madrid winger, but insists the deal is not yet closed.
Bale originally went to La Liga in 2013, and the former Spurs star won four Champions League titles during his time in Spain.
The Welshman has shot 105 goals in 251 games for Real Madrid, as well as having won two league titles to accompany those four European triumphs.
However, the 31-year-old has stepped out of Zinedine Zidane’s plans and only made 16 appearances last season in all competitions, while his antics on the Madrid bench saw him make negative headlines in the Spanish capital.
Bale has been heavily tied to a game this summer, and was also frequently rumored to be on the move multiple times in recent seasons.
Manchester United and Tottenham have been said to be interested and Bale’s agent has now confirmed that returning to Spurs is his preferred destination.
“Gareth still loves the Spurs,” Barnett said. BBC Sport Wales. “We are talking [Spurs, Real and Bale’s camp]. It’s where you want to be. “
Barnett added, AFP: “It’s close but not done. It’s a tough deal.”
The 31-year-old’s representative would later reveal that Bale is closer than ever to leaving Madrid. Sky Sports News: “There is a long way to go on some issues, but Gareth is certainly closer to leaving Madrid than at any other time in the last seven years.”
Bale originally split with the Spurs in 2007-08 after moving from Southampton the previous summer. He quickly became a key figure at White Hart Lane before truly emerging as a world-class star in 2012-13 when he scored 26 goals, including 21 in the Premier League.
Bale won both the PFA Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year that season, and also added the FWA Footballer of the Year Award to join his future teammate Cristiano Ronaldo and become the second player to win the three in the same season.
Internationally, Bale has been a mainstay for Wales for almost a decade and a half, scoring 33 goals in 85 games for his country. They took part in recent Nations League clashes with Finland and Bulgaria, with Wales winning 1-0 in every match.
Tottenham started the 2020-21 Premier League season with a 1-0 loss to Everton as they began their first full season under coach José Mourinho. Real Madrid, meanwhile, has just won a league title and will begin the defense of that crown on Sunday with a visit to Real Sociedad.
[ad_2]
