Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits he tried to buy Tottenham star Gareth Bale while he was at Southampton. Bale could be the man who ends United's unbeaten league start to the season when the Red Devils travel to White Hart Lane.
Fergie said: "We tried to sign him as a 16-or 17-year-old boy. But it never got to the last stage.
"They must have alerted Tottenham - we made a good offer but they turned it down.
"Bale has tremendous speed and is a great crosser of the ball.
"He's made an exciting contribution this season."
