• Premier League

AVB certain Bale won't leave in January

ESPN staff
December 29, 2012
Andre Villas-Boas expects Gareth Bale to stay © PA Photos
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Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas is sure Gareth Bale will not leave the club in January, despite renewed speculation about the winger's future.

Reports in Spain on Saturday suggested that Real Madrid had held "initial talks" with Spurs about a move for the Wales international, although the two clubs were believed to be far apart on their valuation of the influential player.

Nevertheless, Bale has never hid his desire to play for the biggest clubs and compete for the game's greatest trophies - ambitions that Real could attempt to capitalise on when the transfer window opens in the New Year.

Villas-Boas, however, is adamant there is no chance Bale will leave the north London club before the end of the season.

"I have no concerns at all about the possibility of Bale going in January," Villas-Boas told The Sun. He added: "It's very difficult because in England there are no release clauses and a player of this dimension has a market value that is not obtainable to most of the clubs."

Villas-Boas indicated that Spurs, currently fourth in the Premier League table, are unlikely to be involved in any business in January, despite recently being linked with unsettled Inter Milan playmaker Wesley Sneijder.

"It's very unlikely we will do anything in the window," he added.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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