• Premier League

Villas-Boas expects Bale back in training

ESPN staff
August 25, 2013
Bale has been given two days off by Tottenham © PA Photos
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Tottenham Hotspur boss Andre Villas-Boas expects Gareth Bale back at training on Tuesday if a deal is not agreed with Real Madrid by then.

Bale is reportedly on the verge of an £86 million move to the Bernabeu - a deal which has been on and off for much of the summer.

However, Villas-Boas says the Wales forward will be back with Spurs having given him two days off.

"Whether the transfer will happen or not, hopefully you will have more news in the next couple of days," Villas-Boas said after his side beat Swansea 1-0 at White Hart Lane.

"But, at the moment, there is nothing I can tell you. Monday is a day off. Tuesday is training so I would expect him to be there."

Real Madrid have made two different offers for Bale, and are waiting to see if Spurs will accept either one."

Bale was not at White Hart Lane as Spurs continued their 100% start to the season, and Villas-Boas defended the 24-year-old's absence.

"We allowed him two days off," Villas-Boas added.

"It's not the first time this has come up. We never force non-selected players to come to our games. I decided that last season."

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