Mancini – ‘Fantastic’ Gareth Bale Unlikely To Leave Tottenham

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has described Gareth Bale as a “fantastic player” but feels it will be difficult for him to leave Tottenham.

Reports in the Mirror on Friday morning claimed that City were ready to launch a £40m move for the Welsh winger this summer, and would offer him over £100,000-a-week to move to the Etihad Stadium.

However, according to the Telegraph Mancini has discussed his summer plans with the City hierarchy, and although Bale is thought to be a top target this summer, the Italian doubts whether they would be able to prize him away from White Hart Lane.

Speaking at his weekly press conference, Mancini said:

“Gareth Bale is a fantastic player. But I don’t think he will leave a big team like Tottenham, it is difficult” Mancini is quoted as saying by the Telegraph.

Bale has hinted in recent weeks that he will assess his future at the end of the season and made it clear he wants to be playing Champions League football next season. But he is tied down to a long-term contract at Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy has insisted none of the clubs stars will be sold this summer.