Bale's move delayed
The timetable has been slowed by Spurs’ failure to sign Willian, whose move to White Hart Lane was hijacked by Chelsea in a £30 million deal. Spurs would like to sign Juan Mata — who was left out of Chelsea’s starting XI for last night’s league match away to Manchester United — but know that a bid would be rebuffed. Spurs have agreed a payment schedule with Real, with the Spanish giants having agreed to covering the fee in three bullet payments. If they were to renege on the agreement the fee would rise substantially, although if they were to pay up early they would receive a discount. Bale is due back in London today having spent the Bank Holiday weekend in Malaga ahead of his move and Spurs have taken a dim view of Real erecting scaffolding at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, in preparation for an unveiling, and also selling Bale No11 shirts. Nevertheless the deal is expected finally to go ahead and Tottenham’s claim on Monday ...