Gareth Bale could be out of Tottenham in coming days as the drama behind his transfer continues to develop.
According to numerous reports, the 24-year-old Welshman is "distraught" about the team not transferring him to his preferred club Real Madrid. The Spanish giants have reportedly offered 100 million pounds for the midfielder's services; an offer Tottenham has reportedly not responded to.
According to The Independent, "Tottenham Hotspur find themselves at loggerheads today with their star player Gareth Bale and his advisers, who have their heart set on a move to Real Madrid and believe that the two clubs should reach an agreement over a deal for the Wales international."
Furthermore, the publication notes that the relationship between player and team has shifted in the wrong direction for the London-based club.
"The terms of the relationship between Bale and his club have shifted dramatically in the last 48 hours with the player and his camp now unequivocal that he wishes to leave Spurs," writes the publication.
Tottenham has seemingly been adamant that Bale will remain with the club for the upcoming season with coach Andre Villas-Boas being the most notable spokesperson.
"On Gareth, I want to repeat what I was telling you last season and what I was telling you from the beginning of pre-season so I cannot extend myself," the Spurs boss said from Hong Kong last week. "He's a player that we are willing to continue to have, he's a Tottenham player, he's one of the most fantastic players in the world at the moment and we are counting on him for the future...He is not for sale at any price, and there has been no offer from anyone."
His attitude has become less adamant in more recent interviews.
"I don't want to comment on anything like that," Villas-Boas said over the weekend. "I cannot speak about anything." When asked whether his superstar had asked to leave, he replied: "I cannot speak about this."
Ultimately however, the outcome looks to favor Real Madrid as money seems to hold the greatest power in this whole situation.
"I don't think there's panic at the club," former Tottenham Hotspur sporting director David Pleat said in The Times. "The press were talking £50 million, £60 million this summer. This could rise to something crazy like £100 million, which would blow any club out of the water. Even Tottenham, who have resisted strongly, may have to look at it. Manchester United couldn't resist it for Ronaldo."