Manchester United HAVE been in contact with Tottenham about Gareth Bale this summer. The Daily Star Sunday says Spurs drew up their battle plan to keep Bale FOUR months ago.

That was when Manchester United asked Spurs how much they wanted for the Wales wonder.

White Hart Lane chairman Daniel Levy put a £70million price tag on Bale's head, which was designed to act as a hands-off warning to United.

And when Real Madrid stepped up their interest in Bale at the end of the season, Tottenham decided they would still refuse to sell their star man even if a world record bid of £100m came in.

Spurs realise they will face a new fight to keep Bale next summer, after his exciting form made him one of the most wanted players in the world.