Burley wants to keep Bale
22 Jan 2007 - 12:17:37
Southampton boss George Burley has refused to buckle and insists Gareth Bale will not be sold in the transfer window, despite an unnamed Premiership club reportedly bidding £10million for the teenage full-back.
Manchester United and Tottenham have been linked with moves for the Wales international but, although admitting Bale will leave St Mary's at some point in the future, Burley wants the youngster to remain at the Championship club for the time being.
Twelve months ago, Burley sanctioned the £5million sale of Theo Walcott to Arsenal, but he is no hurry to repeat the sale of another of the club's young talents for the long-term good of the player.
"I've not changed my opinion on Theo, you can't beat playing regularly for your development," Burley told the club's official website.
"At bigger clubs it's harder to get in the team which is understandable.
"It's been great for the boy to find his feet at this level but he's still a young lad and we've got to bring him along.
"Gareth is level-headed and handles the speculation. His parents are smashing, they are down to earth and they're enjoying seeing him play regularly.
"At some point he'll go but Gareth will be here until the end of the season no matter what. He doesn't want to go anywhere certainly not until the summer.
"I've told him I feel he needs to be at this club this season and next.
"His parents are very pleased with his progress and feel this is a good place for him to learn his football and the improvement has been there to be seen.
"He's still maturing but he works hard and listens and learns and there are not many better and more exciting full-backs in the country."