Bale reveals top-flight ambition

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The 17-year-old has arrived at White Hart Lane in a deal worth up to £10million, although the details of his contract have not been announced.

Bale told Southampton's club website, www.saintsfc.co.uk: "I really want to play in the Premiership. That is very important to me and it is a fantastic opportunity."

"I have thought long and hard about it and I feel the time is right to move on," he added.

"Now the season is finished I have taken stock and decided to move on.

"It is not about money in any way. This is purely a footballing decision and (about) the chance to play regularly in the Premiership."

Bale joins a club with a host of British players, including six in the England B squad to face Albania on Friday night. They also have Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane.

Boss Martin Jol did not bring homegrown talent to the club last summer, but later admitted that was due to the climate of the transfer market.

Bale, who was also linked with Manchester United and Arsenal, came close to signing in the January transfer window but stayed at St Mary's to help them reach the play-offs.

Sporting director Damien Comolli said: "We have been following Gareth for a long time now and have been very tenacious, so we are absolutely delighted to get him here."