Wales boss John Toshack has admitted Spurs midfielder Gareth Bale was the subject of a ‘big money’ offer over the summer.
Bale impressed last season as Tottenham secured Champions League football and has been in sensational form so far this term – scoring twice away to Stoke, including one wonderstrike.
There was reported interest from teams in Italy, including European champions Inter Milan, rivals AC Milan and Juventus.
However, despite Toshack not revealing the identity of the team, WalesOnline.co.uk believes the offer came from Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid.
After loaning out Royston Drenthe to Hercules, Madrid need cover at left-back – with just Marcelo as a natural in that position.
Mourinho’s first choice was Ashley Cole, who he managed whilst in charge of Chelsea, but Carlo Ancelotti would not let the England international leave Stamford Bridge.
Bale was thought to be the Special One’s second choice as he decided to try and lure him away from White Hart Lane.
The former Real manager said: “It was a big-money bid - it's big money to me anyway. You'll have to ask Tottenham, they know about it.
"Gareth is aware people are looking at him and people are interested. I wouldn't [reveal the club’s identity] out of confidence for the people who have informed me."
