Real Madrid’s bid to land Gareth Bale from Tottenham Hotspur for a world record fee in the region of 100 million euros is out of place in the current economic climate, Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino said on Saturday. “Bale’s a very good player,” the Argentine told a news conference when asked about Real’s pursuit of the Welsh winger.“The numbers are lack of respect to the world in general.”
Barca, Real’s arch-rivals, splashed 57 million euros on their major signing of the close season to date, Brazil forward Neymar. Nine-times European Cup winners Real appear to be close to securing the signature of Bale with local media reporting that after weeks of negotiations an agreement has been reached with Spurs, pending a final confirmation. The player is expected to be presented next week probably after Real’s next league match away to Granada on Monday evening.