Real Madrid confirms world-record transfer fee for Tottenham’s Gareth Bale

Real Madrid announced on Sunday night that it had finally concluded negotiations for Tottenham Hotspur’s Welsh international forward Gareth Bale.

The Bernabéu club’s pursuit of last season’s PFA and Football Writer’s Premier League Premier Player of the Year has been very public indeed, to the extent that a stage was erected last week in anticipation of his unveiling. But Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is a notoriously tough nut to crack, and it has taken until the 11th hour for the deal to be confirmed.

Bale’s fee is reported to be in the region of 100 million euros, making the transfer the most expensive in the history of the sport. Real has previously smashed the record for Cristiano Ronaldo (93 million euros), Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo.

Tottenham coach Andre Villas-Boas confirmed the player’s exit after his side lost 1-0 to London rivals Arsenal on Sunday in the Welshman’s absence. “Bale is a wonderful player. He is going to join Real Madrid so we wish him all the best.” Bale refused to return to training with Spurs last week as his long-awaited exit was thrashed out. He is to be officially presented as a Real player at 1pm on Monday, the last day of the transfer window.