Tottenham want to bring back Gareth Bale THIS WEEK - but he will have to accept a major pay-cut to seal the move.

The Daily Mail says Bale came close to a move to China but stayed and was eventually reintegrated into the first team, scoring three goals and contributing two assists this season.

But Jose Mourinho is keen on bringing Bale back to north London and the two clubs are set for preliminary talks even though there are many obstacles to overcome.

Real would have to be prepared to allow Bale to depart for next to nothing and the player himself would have to agree to a substantial wage cut from his present £600,000-a-week.

The Spanish club blocked Bale's summer move to China when they realised no transfer fee would be forthcoming.

It is understood that Bale isn't prepared to take a wage decrease and is contracted to Madrid until 2022.