Just read the Spanish version, which is longer. Full of the usual unattributable quotes such as, " have no doubt that Gareth wants to wear the shirt of Real next season" According to them, it's all being done in secret through his agent. Goes on to concede that it may not be possible this year if Levy won't sell, but insists Real will be back next year, and that Bale will only have 2 years contract left.
We have -and if it can happen to us, then it also explains why spurs have struggled to hold onto their best players. When Real and Barca come knocking it's very difficult for the player's heads not to be turned.
Its not so much the players heads being turned (although that is ****ING annoying considering the borderline tapping-up employed) but the way the press report it: Club X: "Player not for sale" -> Reported: Player not for sale Spurs/Arsenal/no doubt others: "Player not for sale" -> Reported: Player for sale at right price. Its total bullshit. And i have no doubt that Real are using Marca to tap up. It needs investigating. We're meant to have a relationship with this lot. If i were Levy i would be in the press tomorrow denouncing the relationship and stating categorically that we will not deal with them
Borderline tapping-up? What the hell is actual tapping up, then? They've done everything bar a Berbatov-style kidnapping, so far.
Other than Zidane stating his number 1 target the rest of it is all coming through Marca which as far as i can tell is the RM equivalent of the Mouth of Sauron
Is a story about Bale even news anymore? So far it's been reported that he signed a new contract, his agent said he could leave and he's been the subject of offers from United and Real varying in price yet none of it's come to anything. I'll wait until there are quotes from Bale or Spurs.
The Bale stuff is a disgrace. I don't know why we haven't reported Madrid yet, **** this "special relationship" we supposedly have with them. It's not benefitted us one little bit yet and they're pissing in the wind if they think Bale is going this window unless they offer a world record bid.
When have Real or Barca ever been pulled up for tapping players up ? they do it all the time and eventually wear down the player / club / agent until they get what they want. It's not right, but that seems to be the way they operate and the authorities to diddly squat to stop it.
We (Spurs) should be the ones to stop it. Report to UEFA, report to FIFA, sue the **** out of them, use our private investigators (we apparently have from the olympic stadium ****) to dig up some major corruption etc etc
God knows, UEFA or FIFA whichever is best. Surely something can be done, whether it be a warning to start with and if they still persist then fine them or why not even put them under a transfer embargo. If they want Bale, they should bid. If we accept then happy days for them, if we reject then **** off or come back with an improved offer. Don't keep getting their little bitch of a paper in Marca to keep saying Bale wants out or has agreed terms and also tell Zidane - for as much respect as a player I have for him - to **** off.
Excellent summary! Also agree with earlier sentiment that if this isn't tapping up, what is? I'd be interested to hear about anyone that has ever been fined/convicted/whatever for tapping up and what they did. As has been said, certain clubs seem to have immunity.
Chelsea got in trouble for it didn't they? Suspended points deduction (or am i making that up?). One of the incidents was Arnesen. Man Utd were dead to rites for the Berba one but we settled for an increased fee and loaning one of their not-good-enough players. In hindsight we probably should have reported. Having said that, why does it need to be reported? This isn't the justice system. What would happen if referees only called things on the field if opposition players reported it?
