Tottenham have told Real Madrid they can sign Gareth Bale - for £55 million.

The Sunday Express says under-pressure Real boss Jose Mourinho is a longtime admirer of Bale and there have been rumours that he is ready to make a £35m bid for the Welshman.

It would equal the record for a British player, set when Liverpool paid Newcastle £35m to sign Andy Carroll in January, 2011.

But it is still some way short of what Spurs feel is Bale's real market value - and they will hold out in order to get somewhere near their incredible £55m valuation.