Publications
Partners
London - Glenn Hoddle has said Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy still has some hope of holding on to Gareth Bale despite the Wales winger's seemingly imminent departure to Spanish giants Real Madrid for a world record fee.
"I was at the Swansea game at the weekend and had a good chat with Daniel Levy," Hoddle told talkSPORT radio on Tuesday.
"He's ambitious and believes, if Bale was to stay, that Tottenham could go on and do something really strong in the Premier League."
Although the transfer window closes on Monday, Tottenham insist they will only let Bale leave White Hart Lane him if the squad is strong enough to cope without him.
Spurs great Hoddle, who played for the north London club for 12 years and later managed the side, added Tottenham -- who've spent some 60 million on new players -- were still looking to strengthen their squad after missing out on Brazil's Willian, who joined London rivals Chelsea instead last week.
"It's difficult for Daniel Levy to stop a player joining Real Madrid," Hoddle added.
"When they come knocking, and the lad wants to go, it's difficult to say no.
"I get the feeling there's more business to be done though. Levy wants to strengthen the squad.
"They needed Willian but he's gone to Chelsea, and he must get someone who can unlock the door.
"I've never seen a Spurs side look so powerful physically but they need someone, dare I say it like Gareth Bale, who can change the game.
"Now, if they are preparing for life without Bale, then they definitely need to go into the market and buy a replacement who can open the door, but you can't pick that sort of player up easily."
Bale did not attend Tottenham training on Tuesday, although it is understood he was not expected to appear by the club.
Although nine-time record European Cup winners Real first indicated their interest in the currently injured Bale two months ago, the 24-year-old Wales international -- who scored 31 goals for club and country last season -- his future remains uncertain with less than a week of the transfer window remaining.
The Spurs chairman has also not taken kindly to the idea that Real started selling replica shirts with Bale's name on the back, and their decision to erect a stand at the Bernabeu from which they planned to unveil their latest Galactico on Tuesday.
Meanwhile reports have emerged that Tottenham are considering other offers for Bale.
Manchester United manager David Moyes said Monday the English champions hadn't made an offer Bale, but he refused to deny an interest in the player.
When asked if United had submitted a bid for Bale on Monday, Moyes told reporters: "No".
However, the Scot, speaking after a goalless Premier League draw with Chelsea in his first home game as United manager, added: "Manchester United are always interested in the best players and the board and myself would always be looking to sign who we think are the best players, wherever they are."
