REAL MADRID are ready to swoop for Tottenham's Welsh star Gareth Bale this summer, reports the Daily Telegraph.
Tottenham will not listen to offers of less than £50m for Bale, who was in stunning form during Monday's 3-2 victory at West Ham, but a source close to the Spanish giants believes they have the desire and financial muscle to land his services.
Real's former president Ramón Calderón, who retains close links with the club, tells the Daily Telegraph: "I think we are in a position to pay the money they are going to ask for." He adds: "[Bale] is one of those players you would always like to have in your team."
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The Spanish club's next move could hinge on the future of former Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese forward, who has two years left to run on his contract at the Bernabéu, will hold talks with the club in May.
Reports in Spain suggest that current Real president Florentino Pérez would be prepared to sell the forward to fund a summer move for a clutch of top players including Bale, who is known in Spain as "the left-footed Ronaldo". Pérez is due to stand for re-election as president later this year and is keen to make a "box-office signing" to boost his appeal.
Other clubs circling for the young Welshman's services include Paris St-Germain, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Manchester City. Meanwhile, friends of Bale suggest that his future will depend on whether Tottenham qualify for Champions League football next season.
Victory over their north London rivals Arsenal on Sunday would be a major boost to third-placed Tottenham's bid for European qualification. In-form Bale, who has scored 15 goals in 23 Premier League appearances for Spurs this season, is widely tipped to be named player of the year for the second time in three years.
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