Defiant Tottenham Dare Clubs to Bid for Bale and Modric

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp claims his side's Welsh winger Gareth Bale will not be sold this summer, despite the 22 year old being heavily linked to Spanish giants Barcelona, a report in the Metro said.

The Catalan side, who are playing Spurs' rivals Chelsea in the semi-final of the Champions League, are reportedly set for a £30 million bid for Bale. The star player has 13 goals and 14 assists (from 37 appearances in all competitions this season).

Barcelona, who are the defending European champions are believed to be looking for a permanent replacement for French left-back Eric Abidal, who is unlikely to continue playing professional football after undergoing a liver transplant for cancer. The club will also be considering Bale for the right-back position, given the uncertainty surrounding Brazilian Dani Alves, who presently plays in that position. However, Alves has been quoted as saying he would welcome Bale to the Nou Camp.

However, Redknapp says transfer rumours and gossip about Spurs' players do not bother him. He added there had been no formal approach and would not consider one.

"I would like Lionel Messi. I will have a chat with the chairman about Lionel. I will see if he fancies coming to Tottenham!" said Redknapp, according to the Metro.

Apart from the Catalans, many other European clubs including Manchester City, Chelsea and Real Madrid are also interested in Bale, who has played a crucial role in Spurs' successes this season.

"No one has been in touch with us. He is happy here with us at the moment. He is a fantastic player. He will be linked with every club because he is such a great player," Redknapp added.

Bale, who has three years left on his contract, insists he has not given thought about offers made by other clubs and claims he is "very happy" at White Hart Lane.

Meanwhile, Spurs are trying hard to persuade Croatian midfielder Luka Modric to extend his contract.

The 26 year old midfielder, who was the subject of a £40 million bid from Chelsea in the summer, is now being targetted by Manchester City. However, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has again refused to transfer Modric. Instead, he is reportedly ready to double Modric's wages, believed to be £50,000 per week. However, Redknapp says he is unaware of the whole deal.

"I don't know where we are at with Luka. I'm sure the club is looking to tie him up," Redknapp was quoted as saying in a report by The Sun.