Bale in Barça swoop?

The Daily Mirror have reported that Barcelona are preparing a summer move for Tottenham winger Gareth Bale, but unusually for only £25 million. According to the reports Pep Guardiola has discussed the possibility of strengthening the left side of his team.

Guardiola has short listed three potential summer moves, including Jordi Alba of Valencia and Thiago Silva of AC Milan. Bale tops the list though and Barça are preparing a range of offer options if Spurs reject their £25 million offer.

Some of these deals include a player plus cash deal which could see out of favour players such as Seydou Keita and Maxwell heading to White Hart Lane. Although a reluctant Redknapp will not be willing to lose his star player for a fee as small as £25 million no matter which Barça reserve player is offered as part of the deal.

Barça will have to raise funds if they really want the Welsh winger. If you look at how much Tottenham valued their Croation midfielder Modric last summer, I can't see how they would accept an offer unless it's in the region of £50 million.

Also Bale himself will be conscious of the negatives of a switch to the Catalan giants. In his current role Bale has the freedom to switch across the play and have a play-where-you-want role, but as most players know when you switch to Barceloma you have to adapt with the other world class players that play around you. A prominent example being David Villa who had to adapt to a left winger role to cope with Lionel Messi taking centre stage.

I don't believe Bale will move this summer. I think he will be advised to see out his current contract at Spurs and gain the experience that is vital in becoming one of the world's best. Although that could all change if Barcelona put down an offer Redkanpp can't refuse.

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