Former Tottenham manager claims Bale will join Manchester clubs

Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Glen Hoddle claims Real Madrid target Gareth Bale is likely to join either of the Manchester clubs in the summer. The 51-year-old, who was in charge at White Hart Lane between 2001-03 season believes the Welsh international being a father recently would hinder his move abroad.

“Personally I don’t think Gareth Bale wants to leave yet unless it was to one of the Manchester clubs. If he goes abroad he’ll find it slightly difficult. He needs to be settled off the pitch and you get the feeling that he’s had a new baby and I’m not sure if he’s ready for that [a move abroad],” Hoddle said.

Hoddle claims it is not the right time for the 23-year-old to leave the north London club. The Spanish capital club are willing to break the band to land Bale in the summer as Madrid are believed to be preparing a £80m for the former Southampton man’s signature.

“When you’re 27 or 28-years-old you might be ready and mature enough to settle. You have to be settled off the pitch before you get your form on it. It’s a really big decision for him,” former Tottenham star added.

Bale has made no secret desire to play in the Champions League and Madrid president Florentino Perez has made no secret desire in signing Tottenham star in the upcoming transfer window.

“Bale is one of Europe’s great players and Real Madrid always likes great players. We have to improve our squad but we have to do it with tranquillity – and we’ll do that in the next weeks,” claimed Florentino Perez a few days back.

Bale’s form for Andre Villas-Boas’ side has been brilliant, scoring 26 goals in all competitions this season. His impressive performance for the White Hart Lane has seen the Welshman bag Players’ Player, Young Player and Football Writers Association award earlier this year.

Source: talkSport