Ex-Tottenham Striker Suggests Selling Gareth Bale

Ex-Tottenham forward Paul Walsh wants his former club to consider selling Gareth Bale and use the proceeds to strengthen the squad. The 23-year-old Welsh international has had a superb season so far, with 20 Premier League goals, and has the undivided attention of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Manchester United.

"Of course they should keep him, but they could also cash in by buying three world-class players for that amount of money. Gareth has three years left on his contract, so the club can say: 'You're not going anywhere. We are going to keep you.' But they also have to think that he may have to go, depending on their financial situation," the 50-year-old explained.

Spurs' coach Andre Villas-Boas was previously quoted as confessing to the likelihood of Bale leaving if the club failed to secure Champions League football next season. However, the ex-Chelsea manager has now sought to clarify the club will hold on to Bale even if they miss out on a top four finish this year.

Bale's importance to Tottenham this season was illustrated once more on Saturday evening, when he scored to rescue all three points against former club Southampton.

Adebayor to Depart

Meanwhile, Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor is likely to leave White Hart Lane in the summer. The former Arsenal and Manchester City forward was superb during a loan spell at the Lane last season but has struggled for form and with injuries since completing a permanent transfer.

The 29-year-old has only three goals from 22 league games this season, compared to 17 goals and 11 assists from 33 appearances last year.

The Mirror believes Adebayor, who is on £100,000 per week at the club, is fancied by Ligue 2 side AS Monaco. The French club are expected to gain promotion to Ligue 1 next season and are busy planning for a marquee signing; they are financed by Russian businessman Dmitry Rybolovlev.