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.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.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. Hot stuff: Toshack recommended Bale to Barcelona during his spell as Wales boss'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.'After Bale's worldy against Inter Milan, Toshack joked: 'I'm not sure if Barcelona are a good enough team for Bale.'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. World beater: Toshack was responsible for unleashing Bale on the international scene for Wales'Tottenham are a team who are growing in the Champions League and have many stars.'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.'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.'  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

Source: Daily_Mail