SPAIN: FOOTBALL/SOCCER - Real Madrid fans anticipate arrival of Welsh midfielder Gareth Bale

Record ID: 863562

  • Title: SPAIN: FOOTBALL/SOCCER - Real Madrid fans anticipate arrival of Welsh midfielder Gareth Bale
  • Date: 23rd August 2013
  • Summary: NEWSPAPERS ON DISPLAY SPANISH SPORT NEWSPAPER MARCA WITH HEADLINE "BALE NOW"
  • Embargoed: 7th September 2013 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Spain
  • City:
  • Country: Spain
  • Topics: General,Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVAD90PUCXBQX2C9WZA5WKIB1OKR
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  • Story Text: Real Madrid's quest to land Tottenham Hotspur winger Gareth Bale for a world record fee looks to be nearing its conclusion with Spanish media reporting on Friday (August 23) a deal was all but secured.
    The nine-times European champions have a reputation for getting their man and sports daily Marca were sourcing radio station Cadena COPE when they said a deal had been agreed and would be confirmed on Friday for 99 million euros (85 million pounds).
    For many Real Madrid supporters Bale's signing is too expensive, even though they think the Welsh player will have a great season at their club.
    "He (Bale) is going to have a good future in the club (Real Madrid) but the thing in my opinion is that he's still expensive. I think it is too much money but if Real Madrid is able to take advantage of his image and to make him profitable... I guess that Real Madrid have studied it," said Real Madrid supporter Francisco Moral.
    In an attempt to bring in young blood, Real Madrid have already signed defender Daniel Carvajal, midfielders Isco, Casemiro and Asier Illaramendi.
    Real's signing of Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United in 2009 set the world record transfer fee at some 96 million euros.
    "I think every player takes advantage because it (Real Madrid) is the richest club in the world and they try to get the maximum profit," said Eusebio Perez, Real Madrid supporter.
    Even if the deal for the Welsh international is not confirmed on Friday, all the indications are that the player will be running out at the Bernabeu this season in the currently vacant number 11 shirt.
    The 24-year-old has been ruled out of action for the opening matches of Tottenham's season as he has suffered a couple of niggling injuries, though media speculation has suggested it is part of a tactic to force through the move.
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