Why Gareth Bale Should Be Sold by Spurs

It is the transfer that has dominated the summer window thus far, with Real Madrid supposedly in the process of negotiating a deal for Tottenham winger Gareth Bale that could top €100 million (Guardian).

Any deal that can be completed will almost certainly be a new world record fee, with the Wales international's price set to eclipse the €93 million that Los Merengues paid Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009.

The figures quoted are phenomenal, but Bale is a sensational player. At times last season, he was able to carry Tottenham to wins that they barely deserved. That is not to say, though, that they should not take the money on offer. In fact, that is exactly what they should look to do.

It remains to be seen whether a player exchange will be involved in any offer, but there is no doubt that Spurs would be willing to listen to any deal involving the likes of Fabio Coentrao, Alvaro Morata and Angel di Maria—all of whom have been tentatively linked.

Any one of those players would be a potentially important player in North London, although Morata more in the long term, and would help offset the loss of the side's star asset. Besides that, the club would also have significant funds with which to operate in the coming weeks.

Often the source of parody for their last minute transfer dealings, Tottenham have moved quickly and effectively this summer to secure important signings.

Brazilian Paulinho will boost the club's midfield options, while striker Roberto Soldado will be among the league's most feared forwards next season. Belgian attacking midfielder Nacer Chadli should make a significant impact, too.

With reports in France suggesting that midfielder Etienne Capoue could also be heading to White Hart Lane in the coming days, Spurs are undoubtedly in a better position than they were last season.

Add a potential €100 million with which to replace Bale, and it would be difficult to say that they were not a much improved outfit. With that kind of money, Daniel Levy and Andre Villas-Boas could doubtless do significant damage in the transfer market.

They would, of course, prefer to keep their star asset, with his value unlikely to drop anytime soon and a place in the Champions League the target for the coming season. Should the player wish to leave, as has been suggested (BBC), then they should have no qualms about selling.

While the Welshman was able to get his side out of tight spots last season, many such occasions were caused by the squad's lack of depth in midfield and attack. The club have already strengthened both areas significantly.

While a like-for-like replacement may not reach Bale's levels of individual performance—which would be close to impossible—the overall team improvement could counteract his loss.

Beyond that, it may also allow the club to invest in the future—with Real Betis teenager Alvaro Vadillo, a player outlined as a possible target should Bale depart. At the figures being discussed, Tottenham are the winners whatever the outcome.

There is a feel-good factor around the White Hart Lane club, despite missing out on a Champions League spot. They are an improving side and, in Villas-Boas, have a highly ambitious manager.

If Bale desires to move to Real Madrid, then the club would be unlikely to stand in his way. With Levy's negotiating skills famed for their impressive outcomes, the club could be set for an incredible windfall.

Given the best part of €100 million to spend, few would bet against Villas-Boas making Spurs a better team unit despite the loss. His track record with signings at Tottenham thus far is excellent, and Levy should trust his man to succeed.

Whatever the outcome, the Premier League's top four will be busy looking at Tottenham's activity for the rest of the window, for they are now a real threat to the established order.