Spurs Transfer News: Gareth Bale "Wants To Speak To Real Madrid"

BBC. The Spanish giants have stepped up their interest in the Wales international but Spurs chairman Daniel Levy remains adamant the 24-year-old will not be sold. While Real are yet to make a formal offer for the double PFA Player of the Year, Bale is keen to explore their interest, and has always dreamt of playing at the Bernabeu. Spurs remain hopeful however they can still convince the midfielder, who has three years left on his contract, to stay at White Hart Lane for at least one more season while talks over a new deal are thought to be underway. Madrid are expected to make their interest in the former Southampton player formal this week and will seriously test Tottenham's resolve to hang on to their prized asset by making a huge bid that could surpass the £80 million they paid Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009. In May, Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett told a Spanish television show that his client would be "honoured" to hear from Madrid president Florentino Perez. With last season's La Liga runners up ramping up their interest in the player, the Bale camp are understood to have informed leading figures at Spurs of their client's wish to be able to discuss a potential move to Spain. Tottenham's stance on the situation remains unchanged. On Friday, Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas refused to answer questions on the ongoing transfer saga. It remains to be seen if Bale features in the Lilywhite's pre-season game against Monaco this weekend. In Spain, there is growing speculation that newly-appointed Real manager Carlo Ancelotti is preparing for the arrival of the Welshman. The former Chelsea coach ominously moved Ronaldo away from the left-flank to a more central role during Real's pre-season victory over PSG, suggesting he is trying to find a way to accommodate both the Manchester United forward and Bale in the same team.