18/5: Latest News …
Guardian: Tottenham seem to have gained the upper hand in their battle with Manchester United to sign the Wales defender Gareth Bale, with the 17-year-old left-back understood to be leaning towards a move to White Hart Lane.
Southampton accepted a bid from Tottenham during the January transfer window but the teenager, mindful that United were also interested and keen to finish the season on the south coast, opted to stay at St Mary’s. With the Saints failing to win promotion, however, his departure is now regarded as inevitable. His future is expected to be discussed at St Mary’s next week, with north London emerging as the most likely destination.
Spurs are keen to add a left-sided player to their squad and it is believed that Bale has been made aware of the financial package on offer. He was shown around White Hart Lane in January and, although United’s interest has flattered the teenager, the opportunity to play regularly may be a decisive factor in his decision.
…
Sky: Manchester United will have to rethink their plan to approach Sporting Lisbon about Nani and Atletico Madrid have been priced out of the market after the player penned a new contract with the Portuguese club.
Weeks of speculation have surrounded the gifted 20-year-old with both The Red Devils and Los Colchoneros said to be monitoring his situation as the end of the season approached.
Sporting have moved quickly to ensure that they do not lose out on their prodigy and have thrashed out a new deal that will see his basic salary and bonuses increase.
More importantly, however, is the fact the player, whose full name is Luis Carlos Almeida da Cunha, has seen his buy-out clause rise to €30m (£20million).
That figure has ensured that Atletico are no longer in the running and may deter Manchester United into making a concrete approach this summer.
The new deal signed by Nani is a six-year contract that will keep him at the club until 2013, unless one of the continent’s most affluent clubs matches his buy-out clause.
United were reported to be close to finalising a deal earlier this month for around €25m (£17million), but will have to raise their offer to clinch any deal.
Nani has made no secret that he would fancy teaming up again with Cristiano Ronaldo, who also came through the Sporting youth system.
Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to capture the left-winger as he views him as the successor to Ryan Giggs in The Red Devils’ side.
