Spurs’ former £85m sensation could make surprise return this summer

By Mark Carruthers

Journalist

Published 8th Feb 2022, 15:45 GMT

Updated 8th Feb 2022, 16:37 GMT

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

Former Spurs star Gareth Bale is said to have agreed to return to Spurs this summer - according to reports in Spain.

The Wales international is currently in the final year of his contract with the La Liga giants and is free to negotiate a summer move with a club outside of Spain.

Spanish outlet Nacional have reported Bale agreed a summer move to his former club three months ago and secured a signing bonus by not leaving the Bernabeu during the January transfer window.

Spurs receive boost in search for striker

Antonio Conte’s search for a striker has brought Napoli frontman Victor Osimhen on to his radar.

Getty Images

Getty Images

And the Express believe an interview the Nigerian gave to Football Italia stating his admiration for Spurs defender Cristian Romero could hand a boost to Conte’s hopes of securing a deal for the striker this summer.

Forest duo under the spotlight

Nottingham Forest duo Djed Spence and Brennan Johnson both caught the eye in their side’s impressive FA Cup fourth round win against Leicester City on Sunday.

Tottenham's managing director Fabio Paratici was spotted at Nottingham Forest's FA Cup match against Leicester City, scouting Djed Spence and Brennan Johnson. The pair both scored against the Foxes. (football.london)

Tottenham's managing director Fabio Paratici was spotted at Nottingham Forest's FA Cup match against Leicester City, scouting Djed Spence and Brennan Johnson. The pair both scored against the Foxes. (football.london)

And they did so in front of Spurs managing director Fabio Paratici, who is a keen admirer of both players according to Football London.

Spence and Johnson are both attracting attention from a number of Premier League clubs.

Spurs to compete with Premier League and Serie A clubs for Dutch defender

SportsMediaSet have reported Spurs will compete with Premier League rivals Newcastle and Serie A giants AC Milan for the signature of Lille defender Sven Botman.

The Netherlands under-21s international was the club’s number one target at the start of the window but Lille held firm, rejecting two bids from Newcastle. In an interview on deadline day, Botman did hint at a summer exit. Perhaps United will return to the table then.

The Netherlands under-21s international was the club’s number one target at the start of the window but Lille held firm, rejecting two bids from Newcastle. In an interview on deadline day, Botman did hint at a summer exit. Perhaps United will return to the table then.

The Dutch centre-back is enjoying an impressive season in Ligue 1 and was believed to be the subject of a number of unsuccessful bids from Newcastle during the January transfer window.

The Magpies are preparing another attempt to take the highly-rated defender to St James Park this summer - but they will face stiff competition from Spurs and Milan.

Lille president Olivier Letang spoke about Botman to Le Parisien, saying: “We had no obligation to sell in January.

“We had two auditions with the regulatory body, and they went well.

“He had the chance to depart last summer, but I stopped him and told him we would rediscuss it at the end of the season.

“He is a great person and a top player, and he deserves to join a team that can win the Champions League. We will take into consideration only considerable offers that satisfy all the interested parties.”

Gareth Bale Spain AC Milan Wales

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.