Former Tottenham boss Glenn Hoddle believes Gareth Bale's need for balance off the pitch would rule out him leaving White Hart Lane for Real Madrid any time soon.
Bale, 23, enjoyed another stand-out campaign for Spurs, despite not being able to drag them back into the top four of the Barclays Premier League, and as such was voted Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association to add to his double Player and Young Player of the Season award from the Professional Footballers' Association.
Speculation has, though, been rife the Wales midfielder will be sold in a big-money move this summer but Hoddle - who enjoyed a successful playing career at White Hart Lane from 1975 to 1987 before returning as manager for a two-year spell in 2003 - told talkSPORT he believes Bale's strong family ties would, in the short term at least, rule the Welshman out of a transfer abroad.
He said: "Personally I don't think Gareth Bale wants to leave yet, unless it was to one of the Manchester clubs. If he goes abroad he'll find it slightly difficult.
"He needs to be settled off the pitch and you get the feeling that he's had a new baby and I'm not sure if he's ready for that [a move abroad].
"When you're 27 or 28-years-old you might be ready and mature enough to settle. You have to be settled off the pitch before you get your form on it. It's a really big decision for him."
Madrid president Florentino Perez is a keen admirer of Bale, claiming the Welshman was "born" to play for the Spanish club.
Spurs, though, have long maintained their star man is not for sale, but that resolve could well be tested should Real Madrid come in with a substantial offer with figures up to £80million being touted.
Hoddle accepts every player has his price, adding: "I would presume that if Tottenham get an offer like that then no-one would blame them for taking it.
"I don't think anyone could stay at any club for that amount of money. Tottenham have got a stadium to build as well and the money would come in handy for that, if that's the sum of money they are talking about."
Source: PA
