Tottenham have reportedly jumped to the front of the queue to sign Southampton whizzkid Gareth Bale. Sir Alex Ferguson was apparently confident the 17-year-old would sign for Manchester United in an £8million deal that would see the Wales international see out the rest of the season on loan at St Mary's. But the Saints turned down the offer, and Bale travelled to White Hart Lane on Monday for talks with Martin Jol.Southampton boss George Burley has spent much of the last three weeks fending off questions over Bale's future, but it seems Newcastle are not even at the auction.
Burley: "I've told Gareth I feel he needs to be here this season and next season, that would be ideal for his development.
"I haven't changed my opinion. You can't beat playing first-team football for the development of a young kid. At a big club it's harder to get into the team, which is understandable. It's best for the player to be in this league, at a good club, where he can find his feet."