GARETH BALE DID not show up for training this morning as negotiations over his world-record transfer to Real Madrid continue to drag on.
Today was rumoured to be “Gareth Bale Day” with an official announcement expected in Madrid.
The Welsh star skipped Spurs’ win against Swansea after he was given permission to spend the weekend in Spain where the drawn-out talks were thought to be finally reaching a conclusion.
With no deal finalised, Bale flew back to England last night and was expected to attend this morning’s session.
But the 24-year-old did not join his team-mates at Spurs Lodge, the BBC and the Guardian report.
The latest twist comes just 24 hours after it emerged that Tottenham were considering a second bid for Bale, with David Moyes refusing to deny Manchester United’s interest following ltheir Premier League stalemate at home to Chelsea last night.
If Madrid meet Spurs’ valuation of £86 million, it would shatter the transfer record set when Cristiano Ronaldo joined the Spanish giants for £80 million in 2009.
However, reports suggest that Madrid could drive the price down to £78 million if they agree to a quicker payment plan for the transfer fee.
