Gareth Bale transfer: Tottenham close to signing Real Madrid winger on loan

The Welsh forward has no future at the Bernabeu and now looks set for a second spell with Spurs

Miguel Delaney
Wednesday 16 September 2020 07:01 EDT
Comments
El técnico del Real Madrid espera que el dúo de huelgas se quede en el Bernabéu, pese a las especulaciones
El técnico del Real Madrid espera que el dúo de huelgas se quede en el Bernabéu, pese a las especulaciones

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Tottenham Hotspur are close to a sensational loan deal for Gareth Bale at what would be a knock-down cost.

The English club have been in talks with Real Madrid for the last 48 hours, with left-back Sergio Reguilon also set to move to White Hart Lane, and are approaching an agreement on the Welsh international.

Although the Bernabeu hierarchy have been pushing for a permanent deal, manager Zinedine Zidane's desperate to get him out of the squad is such that they are willing to significantly compromise.

As it stands, Tottenham are looking to secure a one-year loan, at no fee, and 50% of Bale's wages. That would mean Spurs paying around £250,000 a week. Sources maintain that the only fee to Madrid would be performance related, which would bring the total cost of the deal to just under £20m.

The Independent has been told the prospect of Bale's sensational return repeatedly came up in discussions for Reguilon - who will join on a five-year, £30m deal - and that it made more and more sense for the parties.

The 31-year-old left Spurs for a world-record fee in 2013, after he'd won PFA Player of the Year in a supreme season.

Manchester United are understood to have balked at paying so much for a player at that age, especially after their experience with Alexis Sanchez.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in