Inter Milan rumoured to be preparing to launch an audacious £40 million bid for Tottenham Hotspur winger Gareth Bale? or so the Guardian suggested last month. Allegedly Inter President Massimo Moratti impressed with the Welshman’s performances against his side in the Champions League this season, was looking to add the 21-year-old to his squad.

Any bid from the reigning European Champions  would have likely alerted Spanish giants Real Madrid, whose coach Jose Mourinho is said to be an admirer. Both clubs are likely to wait until the summer as making a move for Bale with Spurs in January was unlikely at such a crucial time of the season and at such an enormous price tag.

Bale has caught the attention of major clubs across Europe with his spectacular performances for the North London club this season; most notably his hat-trick against inter Milan at the San Siro in Tottenham’s 4-3 defeat. He also starred in the return game which Spurs won 3-1, constantly tormenting Brazilian Maicon, widely believed to be the best right-back in the world.

Spurs coach Harry Redknapp has denied the Welshman is up for sale, but the acquisition of South African Steven Pienaar from Everton was seen as cover for Bale should he leave the club. Redknapp will be keen to keep hold of such a key player and has stated publicly he is not willing to sell Bale. However Chairman Daniel Levy may be willing to cash in on the player if it makes financial sense for the club. The move for Bale, known for his down to earth nature, will be the focus for much football betting over the second half of the season should the bid be made public.

If the move materializes Bale would become easily the most expensive British player of all time, far surpassing the £29 million Manchester United paid for Rio Ferdinand in 2002. Bale only managed to secure a first team place in the Tottenham line-up this season, but now football betting has seen him installed as an early favorite for the domestic player of the year award.

Bale may be best advised to spend another season honing his skills before looking to join the European elite. At 21 he has yet to develop fully and will only get better, but a move to a club where he will not be guaranteed first team football could harm his progress. His career at Spurs had been hampered before the start of the season with injury, and now he finally showing his abilty, he has emerged as pivotal to Spurs this season. If the club hope to continue to grow and establish themselves as a Champions League side, they will look to hold on to their key assets, starting with Bale.

Rocky