Spurs new-boy Bale reveals top flight
ambition
Tottenham have continued with their plan to recruit the best
homegrown talent by signing Wales left-back Gareth Bale from
Southampton.
The 17-year-old has arrived at White Hart Lane in a deal worth up
to £10million, although the details of his contract have not been
announced.
Bale joins a club with a host of British players, including six in
the England B squad to face Albania last night. They also have
Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane.
He told Southampton's club website: 'I really want to play in the
Premiership. That is very important to me and it is a fantastic
opportunity.
'I have thought long and hard about it and I feel the time is right
to move on.
'Now the season is finished I have taken stock and decided to move
on.
'It is not about money in any way. This is purely a footballing
decision and (about) the chance to play regularly in the
Premiership.'
Boss Martin Jol did not bring homegrown talent to the club last
summer, but later admitted that was due to the climate of the
transfer market.
Bale, who was also linked with Manchester United and Arsenal, came
close to signing in the January transfer window but stayed at St
Mary's to help them reach the play-offs.
Sporting director Damien Comolli said: 'We have been following
Gareth for a long time now and have been very tenacious, so we are
absolutely delighted to get him here.
'He is a player of great quality and, as we always say, our aim in
each window is to improve the quality of the squad.
'Gareth has great physical attributes, he is tall, good in the air
and has a fantastic left foot. He is very good on set pieces, he is
clever on the ball and his passing selection is excellent.
'He has the ideal combination to become a top, top player and he is
only 17.'
Bale put himself in the spotlight at the start of the season with a
stunning free-kick against Derby, followed up with another
set-piece against Coventry three days later.
He is the youngest player to be capped by Wales and despite being
deployed at full-back so far in his fledgling career, has been
tipped to emulate Ryan Giggs if he is developed into a
winger.
Jol is looking to strengthen the left flank of his team, so Bale
could be played in defence or midfield.
