LONDON // Gareth Bale's stunning Champions League performance against Inter Milan is likely to earn him an improved contract at Tottenham Hotspur.
The left-sided player gained all the headlines, plus several admiring glances from other clubs, with a superb display in the 3-1 defeat of the holders on Tuesday night and Harry Redknapp, his manager, is keen to stave off any potential suitors.
"If this club is to move up to another level, which is the aim, then we have to keep a player of Gareth Bale's quality," Redknapp said.
"I've already spoken to the chairman, Daniel Levy, about this and he agrees. In fact, we have spoken about maybe adding a player in January, certainly not selling anyone.
"In recent years, top players such as Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov have moved on from Tottenham, both to Manchester United.
"But, now that Spurs are competing at the top end of the Premier League and are not just playing in the Champions League but beating the champions, then I don't see a reason why a player like Gareth Bale needs to leave."
The Wales international, 21, signed a four-year extension to his contract in the summer, pushing his salary up to a reported £40,000 (Dh 236,542) a week. But he is now in a negotiating position to potentially double that amount.
Last night, the former Southampton player told Sky Sports News: "I'm happy at Tottenham, I'm enjoying my football."
