Bale sale would send wrong signals - Redknapp

05 April 2011 09:00
Harry Redknapp has warned that his ambitious long-term project to bring the Barclays Premier League title to Tottenham could be in serious danger of collapse if the club sell Gareth Bale this summer. Just three weeks after signing a new contract at Spurs, Bale has admitted he could leave White Hart Lane should one of Europe's top clubs come calling. Jose Mourinho indicated Real Madrid would not be making an offer for the 21-year-old, but a summer bidding war between the likes of Manchester United, Barcelona and Inter Milan is not out of the question, with all three reportedly interested in the player. After terrorising Inter in the group stages, Bale will get the chance to showcase his talent once more when he takes to the field in Tottenham's Champions League quarter-final first leg clash against Real Madrid. Redknapp has warned any admirers that Bale is not for sale and is determined to hang onto his star man and keep him at the heart of his plan to bring silverware to White Hart Lane. "We don't want to sell him," Redknapp said. "If you are looking to build a club, you can't be selling Gareth as then (Luka) Modric would want to go and then someone else would want to go. Then Tottenham would end up where they were four or five years ago, finishing halfway up the table each year. "I had it at West Ham. We let Rio (Ferdinand) and Frank (Lampard) go and then the rest followed. Once you start selling one then I think it sends out the wrong signals. I'm sure it would have to be an amazing figure if you ever sold him. But how do you replace a player like that? It's very difficult."

Source: PA