Real Madrid are convinced they have persuaded Tottenham to sell Gareth Bale. The Daily Mail says Real Madrid believe they have finally persuaded Tottenham to sell Bale for a world-record £87million.

A deal has been reached in principle and that it should be confirmed once Spurs have secured the signings they need to offset the loss of Bale.

Bale reported to Tottenham's training ground on Wednesday but did not take part in any work as his transfer to Real inched towards its inevitable conclusion.

But he spoke to manager Andre Villas-Boas, maintaining he wants to take what he considers a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

Officially, the muscle strain which ruled Bale out of two Spurs games in Hong Kong last week prevented him from training and will, in all probability, stop him from playing in a friendly at Monaco on Saturday.