Premier League
Barcelona Make Gareth Bale No.1 Target After Scouting Trip – Report
Spanish giants Barcelona have made Tottenham left back Gareth Bale their number 1 transfer target this summer, according to a report by the Daily Telegraph.
With the summer transfer window fast approaching, we’ll aim to keep you up-to-date on all the latest gossip involving Tottenham Hotspur. Today’s sees Spurs ace Gareth Bale linked with Barcelona.
Bale - Barca interest
Barcelona have made Tottenham’s Gareth Bale their number 1 transfer target this summer, according to a report by the Daily Telegraph.
The Telegraph suggest that Barcelona’s sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta has identified Bale as a long-term replacement for Eric Abidal, who underwent liver transplant surgery last week.
It’s claimed that the Spanish champions chief scout, Albert Valentin, was in attendance to watch the Welshman in action during Tottenham’s 3-1 win over Fulham last November, seeing Bale set up Aaron Lennon’s goal that day.
Barca are said to have put defensive reinforcements top of their priority list this summer and the loss of Abidal has left them short on the left side of their defence. While Bale is now more comfortable in an advanced position these days, he began his Spurs career as a left back, and it’s also thought that Bale’s attacking tendencies would suit Barcelona’s style of play, where full backs are encouraged to get forward.
However, there are major stumbling blocks that could prevent a potential deal. The 22-year-old has three years remaining on his current contract and Daniel Levy has made it clear he won’t be entertaining bids for Tottenham’s star players. Levy said in the club’s plc accounts statement last year:
“Having quality players means they automatically attract attention from other clubs but I can assure you we have no reason to sell, and every intention of retaining, our key players. We shall simply not entertain any approaches for these players.” Levy was quoted as saying in the Telegraph.
The report also claims that Barca boss Pep Guardiola has doubts over spending big on a left back, and may prefer to spend elsewhere to strengthen his squad. However, the Barcelona board are said to have their heart set on signing Bale, and believe they can persuade Guardiola the outlay is justified.
