Furious Tottenham refuse to meet Real Madrid

LONDON - Tottenham Hotspur will refuse to hold further talks with Real Madrid over the sale of Gareth Bale until the Spanish club substantially increase their world record-breaking offer for the Wales international.

Although there was an acceptance at the Premier League club last week that Bale’s departure was inevitable it is understood that Tottenham Chairman Daniel Levy has hardened his position having been angered by Real’s increasingly aggressive, and public, pursuit of the player.

Spurs are determined not to negotiate further with Real, who have already offered in excess of £80 million (S$155 million) for Bale, the Daily Telegraph reported.

The open courting of the 24-year-old forward – by current Real players and the club’s coaching staff, including Zinedine Zidane – has annoyed Tottenham, who have also become frustrated at the injuries the Wales international has complained about since Real’s interest intensified.

Bale did not travel with the Tottenham squad for their prestige friendly away against Monaco on Saturday night having reported that he was suffering from a pain in his foot.

Bale was also ruled out of the recent Barclays Asia Trophy matches in Hong Kong after reporting a gluteal muscle problem.

Real President Florentino Perez wants to hold talks with Levy in Miami next week in an attempt to thrash out a compromise.

Levy has a house in Florida but there is no guarantee that the Spurs chairman will agree to more negotiations.

Tottenham did speak with Real at Bale’s request after the player told Levy and head coach Andre Villas-Boas that he wished to leave the club.

Spurs felt that it was the right thing to do out of respect for Bale’s exemplary performances, but that goodwill is in danger of running dry.

Although Bale has set his heart on joining Real it is not thought that he will formally submit a transfer request even if he has been left bemused by Spurs’ failure to offer him an improved contract – as it had been claimed they would do.

Real, for their part, are prepared to increase their offer and will bid closer to £100 million although it is unclear exactly what Spurs’ valuation is for Bale.

Real have also offered to reconstitute the bid to include players with the Portuguese international Fabio Coentrao and the Argentinian Angel di Maria mentioned as possible makeweights. It would appear, however, that Tottenham would only be interested in a straight cash offer.

Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho has revealed that he wanted Real Madrid to sign Bale last year while he was in charge at the Bernabeu.

“I asked the club to buy him last season but it was not possible,” the Portuguese said.

“It looks like it is happening this season so I am happy for them because they get a fantastic player but, of course, the numbers are huge numbers and the kid has to go now and there’s pressure to prove that he’s worth that investment.” AGENCIES