Spurs lead Bale chase - Ferguson
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Tottenham are
the favourites to sign Southampton's highly rated teenager Gareth
Bale.
The £10m-rated Wales defender has attracted the interest of a host
of Premiership clubs.
"Southampton said no to us because they are looking for more money,
which they have every right to do," he said.
"I am not exactly sure what Tottenham have offered but they have
offered more and that puts them in pole position." Ferguson has
admitted United's preference to do a deal with Southampton based on
Bale's future progression could count against them.
"The bid we made for Gareth reflected his potential. There were a
series of build-ups in it because we have to protect our own club's
assets too," admitted Ferguson. "We offered an initial fee with
add-ons depending on how many games he plays, international caps
and so on."
But Ferguson has not given up hope of landing Bale and insisted he
was not frightened by the staggering sums now being spent on
emerging talent. "Anyone who guarantees a player first-team
football every week is wrong," he said.
"There are so many examples of young players being given a chance
at this club, no-one could dispute the fact they will get
opportunities. Maybe the boy himself would need to assess that.
"When you are talking about signing young players with potential,
you hope your decision-making and your assessment of the player is
correct."
