Gareth Bale has backed Tottenham's pursuit of off contract Chelsea star Joe Cole.
Arsenal and Spurs are thought to be the front-runners in the race for the England midfielder after his contract with Chelsea expired. Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has been quiet in the transfer market this summer although he has made no secret of his desire to sign Cole, who he brought through the youth ranks at West Ham.
"I think he is a great player and would be a great signing for us," said Bale. "If he did come obviously we would welcome him with open arms and he would be an important asset to the squad."
He added: "His Champions League experience would be an important asset for us. The more experience we have the better.
"A few of our guys have been in the Champions League before but for most of us it will be a new experience that we are looking forward to and if he can bring us more experience then that would be handy."
