Gareth Bale won't stick with Tottenham next season if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.

The Sunday Express says that would trigger a get-out clause in his contract but even if they do play in Europe's top event Bale, a £45million target for Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United, is likely to be heading elsewhere at the end of the season.

Spurs are still hoping that they can persuade the Wales international, 23, to stay at White Hart Lane with the offer of a new contract.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is even willing to smash his strict pay structure to double Bale's wages to around £150,000 a week to keep him.

But Bale wants to play in the Champions League and will use an escape clause in his current deal which allows him to leave if Spurs aren't playing in it.