Gareth Bale: 6 Most Likely Destinations for Tottenham Star This Summer

When looking at potential transfers this summer, Gareth Bale's name is not one that pops up immediately.

Why? Probably because, according to Mirror Football, Tottenham have slapped a £150 million price tag on his head, making it almost impossible to poach him from White Hart Lane.

Still, that doesn't stop the papers from talking about it, and silly money didn't stop Real Madrid from purchasing Cristiano Ronaldo for a world-record fee of £80 million.

Here are the six most likely destinations for Bale come the end of the summer.

Barcelona

The Telegraph is suggesting Gareth Bale is a target for Barcelona this summer.

Barcelona have a clear need at left-back with Eric Abidal retiring. Adriano is a capable left-sided player but he is not one you'd find in a dream team.

The Blaugrana need help on that flank and by recruiting Bale, they'd be able to match him up opposite the marauding Dani Alves to create one of the most frightening full-back duos world football has ever seen.

A common criticism of this link is that Bale's explosive nature and direct approach doesn't suit the Barca playing style.

The truth of the matter is that Barcelona recruit whoever they want and teach them how to play their brand of football. For examples of that, see Alves, Cesc Fabregas and David Villa.

Real Madrid

There were several media outlets this month, including People.co.uk, reporting that Gareth Bale would look to force a move to Real Madrid should Tottenham fail to qualify for UEFA Champions League football next season.

Out of two the Spanish sides linked, Bale would be able to slot into Jose Mourinho's side far more quickly than Tito Vilanova's.

The direct football that Real Madrid play would suit Bale down to the ground, moving the ball quickly between the lines with traditional wing play an option too.

Milan

Both Milan clubs have expressed an interest in Gareth Bale in the past, having both seen the Welshman take them apart almost single-handedly.

In the blue corner, Internazionale received a one-man mauling from the left winger in 2010. After taking Maicon to the cleaners and back, Massimo Moratti must have said to himself "If you can't beat him, sign him."

After Tottenham overcame the Nerazzurri, the links came flooding in.

Meanwhile, in the red corner, close neighbours AC Milan came snooping around too, as Massimiliano Allegri looked for creative options due to the departure of Andrea Pirlo.

These two both have the spending capacity to sanction a deal and both clubs will look to make an impact this summer.

Milan will not be happy after losing out to Juventus in the title race, whilst sixth-placed Internazionale have a lot of repair work to attend to.

Manchester City

England's new Premier League champions have already identified their summer transfer targets and while Roberto Mancini remains coy regarding Gareth Bale, we all know he's on that list.

City have good players who play some nice football. They're incredibly strong in the short game, but lack players who can really force the issue.

This was something that caused them problems this season, particularly against Queens Park Rangers on the final day of the season.

Yaya Toure is a player whose direct methods can change a game for City. They need another like him, and Bale represents a quality direct threat they could turn to should they struggle to undo a stern defence.

Juventus

Juventus have just secured the Serie A Scudetto and have no plans to rest on their laurels.

There has been plenty of speculation regarding The Old Lady and big summer signings, including Robin van Persie and Edinson Cavani.

If they're willing to spend big on these two, they might just have the budget to fit Gareth Bale in. They've certainly looked at him before.

Tottenham

Out of all the stadiums in which Gareth Bale could be playing in next season, the most likely has to be White Hart Lane.

Daniel Levy showed some real stones keeping Luka Modric at Tottenham last summer and while the Croatian midfielder could depart this season, he'll fight tooth and nail in a similar fashion to keep Bale.

With an expensive price tag combined with guts and determination, Bale may well be around for one more season at least.

You won't see both Modric and Bale leave in the same window, and if one is to depart my money is on the Croatian, not the Welshman.

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