'Not the time to talk', says Bale on rumoured transfer to Real Madrid

Tottenham Hotspur winger refuses to comment on speculation he will move to Primera Liga for record sum.

Gareth Bale could yet leave Tottenham Hotspur for a record sum.

Gareth Bale has refused to comment on speculation linking him with a world-record move to Real Madrid this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur and Madrid have yet to come to an agreement over the transfer of Bale despite weeks of speculation that the 24 year old is set to move to the nine-time European champions.

Bale has made it clear he wants to leave Spurs for the Spanish capital, but chairman Daniel Levy is said to be demanding a fee in excess of the £80 million (Dh454m) that Madrid paid Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo four years ago.

Several Spanish camera crews and photographers turned up to watch Bale train with Wales in Newport on Monday and they later accosted the forward in the car park of the team hotel.

Disappointingly, for all those interested in the transfer saga, Bale refused to divulge his feelings about Madrid's interest. "I'm really sorry, now's not the time to talk," he said.

Bale has not played for Tottenham for almost a month because of injuries to a gluteal muscle and now his foot.

The former Southampton winger undertook a short training session away from the rest of the Wales squad on Monday.

He will not take part in Wales' game against Republic of Ireland on Wednesday, but will remain with the squad to continue his rehabilitation and he is expected to be a spectator at the game in Cardiff.

During Bale's absence, Tottenham have been active in the transfer market, spending £50m on Roberto Soldado, Nacer Chadli and Paulinho.

The London club hope to announce the signing of versatile Toulouse midfielder Etienne Capoue once he returns from international duty with France.

Meanwhile, Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen admits he would be interested in a move to White Hart Lane.

The 21 year old has rejected interest from Russia and could now be reunited with his former Ajax teammate Jan Vertonghen at Spurs.

"Tottenham are a great club," the Ajax midfielder told Danish newspaper BT. "I know from Vertonghen that it is a good club which is interesting. but there has not been any contact.

"I do not know if I am going to leave Ajax. We'll find out in two weeks.

"There are to my knowledge no negotiations right now either with a new club or Ajax.

"If there is a good approach [from another club], I see as an opportunity to try something new, but if nothing comes, I do not mind staying."

Follow us