Spurs Transfer News: Gareth Bale In New Contract Talks To Stay

By Joseph Dempsey / July 26, 2013

Team Talk. The Welsh international has been linked with a number of top European clubs this summer, in particular Real Madrid, after a sensational 2012/13 season in which he finished as the third-highest goalscorer in the Premier League and also enjoyed a clean-sweep of wins at the PFA Awards. Reports had surfaced in Spain recently that Madrid tabled an opening offer for the 24-year-old, but Villas-Boas is desperate to keep hold of his prized asset and is hopeful a new contract can be agreed before the start of the season. Despite the fact Bale only signed a new deal last year, the Portuguese boss claims talks over yet another contract extension are "ongoing". He said:

"There were contacts last year between the club and his agent, and there are still ongoing contacts between club and agent. "The player renewed his contract last year by the beginning of the season, if you remember, and it's something that is being dealt with by the chairman and the agent. "Talks are ongoing, but that doesn't mean there is an agreement."

The former Chelsea manager was also coy when asked if the Londoners had received an offer from Real for the midfielder's services. A grinning Villas-Boas replied: "I'm not going to make any comments on that one!" As well as strong interest from the continent in the player, Premier League champions Manchester United were also reportedly keen on the former Southampton star. United were willing to offer £60 million for the Welshman, according to reports.