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Storm brews between Spurs and Arsenal over Bale
Last updated at 11:22am on 24.01.07
Chased: Gareth Bale is attracting the attentions of a host of Premiership clubs
Tottenham and Arsenal were among the bidders as clubs jostled for position in the race to sign Southampton's teenage sensation Gareth Bale.
Saints sparked the activity by revealing they had received a £10million bid for 17-year-old Bale from a club "other than Manchester United".
The offer was thought to be have come from the Gunners, who signed teenager Theo Walcott from Southampton 12 months ago, but Spurs tried to match the bid after discussions in a routine board meeting yesterday afternoon.
United had an £8million bid rejected last week but remain favourites to sign Bale because the Wales international is keen on a move to Old Trafford and the chance to link up with his hero Ryan Giggs.
Bale is out of contract next year and has snubbed Southampton's offer of an improved two-year deal worth £4,000 a week.
Spurs have also finally persuaded Benfica to sell them defender Ricardo Rocha for £3.3m. The player was in London yesterday to undergo a medical.
Meanwhile, Spurs boss Martin Jol wants a bye into the last 16 of the UEFA Cup to give his players a breather — and compensation for lost revenue.
UEFA chief executive Lars-Christer Olsson will consider the case today after Feyenoord were expelled from the competition last week because of the behaviour of their supporters in a group game against Nancy.
Tottenham could face either Parma or Braga without kicking a ball if UEFA decide not to promote Wisla Krakow, who finished behind the Dutch club in the group stage.
But Spurs will lose the gate receipts and money from ITV, who have a deal to screen games from their UEFA Cup run.
Jol said: "If I am honest, I would take a bye. Hopefully, we will get some compensation but maybe other people will think differently."
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