Tottenham are still haggling over the method of payment of Gareth Bale's fee with Real Madrid.
The Daily Star Sunday says whether it ends up being a world record fee depends on Spurs - who have received TWO offers from the Spanish giants for the Welshman. Real are willing to pay £78m in one lump sum or £85m in instalments, with only £20m of that up front and the rest paid over the next three years.
Cristiano Ronaldo became the world's most expensive player when Madrid spent £80m to sign him from Manchester United in 2009, but that was all paid immediately in one go.
Real are keen to make sure they don't overpay for Bale, who will sign a six-year deal worth £8m a year which ensures Ronaldo remains the club's best-paid player.
Both sides have agreed to wait until Spurs have completed their own moves in the transfer market before making it official.
