Franco Baldini was not in Madrid to sell Gareth Bale to Los Blancos.
Franco Baldini back at Tottenham’s training ground, having been in Madrid yesterday. Told trip had ‘nothing to do’ with Bale …
— Ben Smith (@BenSmithBBC) August 22, 2013
Tottenham’s sporting director Franco Baldini was in Madrid on Tuesday but the Italian’s visit had ‘nothing to do’ with the sale of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid, according to BBC journalist Ben Smith.
It was widely reported that Baldini travelled to the Spanish capital, with several media outlets suggesting Spurs were ready to accept a £93m bid for the Welshman.
Well-connected Spanish journalist Guillem Balague said the deal could be confirmed on Thursday evening or Friday but Smith’s information suggests the media may have jumped the gun.
The Bale deal could be confirm before tomorrow night or on Friday (Real wouldn’t want to overshadow Raul homage at the Bernabeu tomorrow)
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) August 21, 2013
Real are said to be keen to include left-back Fabio Coentrao in the package for Bale but Spurs are understood to be keen to keep a deal for the Portugal international separate, which could explain Baldini’s presence in Madrid.
Coentrao has handed in a transfer request at the Santiago Bernabeu and is understood to be open to a move to White Hart Lane.
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