Source: Daily_Mail
Gareth Bale was touted to Barcelona by John Toshack
Former Wales manager John Toshack has revealed he recommended Tottenham Hotspur star Gareth Bale to Barcelona.[LNB]Toshack, the ex-Real Madrid coach, gave Bale his international debut at 16 and said he could see that Spurs winger was a star in the making as early as 18, telling the Catalan giants to track the youngster's progress.[LNB]He said: 'I spoke to Txiki Begiristain [the Barcelona technical secretary]. I told him we had a very interesting young player whose progress should be followed.[LNB] Hot stuff: Toshack recommended Bale to Barcelona during his spell as Wales boss[LNB]'Gareth had suffered injuries to both feet and was was out for almost 18 months. Then after joining Spurs he couldn't get a regular place.'[LNB]After Bale's worldy against Inter Milan, Toshack joked: 'I'm not sure if Barcelona are a good enough team for Bale.[LNB]'Seriously, Barcelona are the best and Bale is the best. There is now interest from all over Europe and his price has increased fivefold since I recommended him to Txiki three years ago.[LNB] World beater: Toshack was responsible for unleashing Bale on the international scene for Wales[LNB]'Tottenham are a team who are growing in the Champions League and have many stars.[LNB]'But Gareth is an old head on young shoulders. He's only 21 and is still in a learning phase. He's comfortable where he is but four or five big teams in Europe will be after him.[LNB]'Bale can play left-back, left-wing or left midfield. Lionel Messi is terrific in tight spaces but over a long distance Bale is very fast.'[LNB] Tottenham plan bumper pay deal for Bale as Europe's big clubs plot swoopBale: The night I mauled the world's best! But Tottenham's Inter killer only got four texts and a call from mumJamie Redknapp's guide to Tottenham's latest star Bale TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FC
