EPL Transfer Rumors: Top 5 Places Gareth Bale Could Land This Summer

The hottest name on the transfer market this summer will be Gareth Bale of Tottenham Hotspur.

The 21-year-old Welshman has had a stellar season for the Spurs.  His great play against Inter defender Maicon helped propel Tottenham to a first place finish in the group stage of the Champions League and an appearance in the UCL quarterfinals.

For his efforts this season, Bale was named PFA Player of the Year.

However, due to his success, there has been much chatter about where Bale will play in the 2011-2012 season.

Here are the top five places Gareth Bale could play next season.

5. Inter Milan

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MILAN, ITALY - APRIL 05: Douglas Maicon of FC Internazionale Milano runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final match between FC Internazionale Milano and Schalke 04 at San Siro Stadium on April 5, 2011 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by V

Ever since Bale tore apart star defender Maicon, Inter Milan has had interest in the young Welshman.

Reports came out earlier this year that Inter would pay £40m this summer for Bale, but both sides have denied this report.

Still, with the way Inter Milan struggled in the the Champions League, it shouldn't come as a surprise if they they make a run at Gareth Bale.

4. Chelsea

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LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 20: David Luiz (R) and Didier Drogba of Chelsea talk during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Birmingham City at Stamford Bridge on April 20, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Chelsea has never been known to shy away from dishing out the big bucks and this offseason will be no exception.

The London club could revamp their entire team.  It’s been speculated that not even some of the veteran Chelsea footballers like Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and John Terry are locks to return next season.

If Chelsea does overhaul their team, they’ll have some money to spend, and they would be sure to go after Tottenham’s young star.

3. Barcelona

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BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 03: Lionel Messi (L) of Barcelona lines up a free kick with his teammate Xavi Hernandez during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final second leg match between Barcelona and Real Madrid at the Camp Nou stadium on May 3, 2011 in Barcel

After failing to land Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas, it appears Barcelona has switched their attention to Gareth Bale.

Barcelona is more concerned about their left back role rather than their central midfield, and they believe Gareth Bale is a perfect fit.

Bale would be able to still frequently attack while playing a more defensive role, and Barcelona is enticed by the idea of having Bale out left and Dani Alves on the right.

The number that has been floating around is £40 million, the same as Inter Milan.

2. AC Milan

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MILAN, ITALY - MAY 01: Robinho of AC Milan in action during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Bologna FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 1, 2011 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

AC Milan’s quick exit from the Champions League at the hands of Gareth Bale and Tottenham isn’t sitting too well with owner Solvio Berlusconi.

The AC Milan boss has promised to spend some of the club’s money on some of the best players in the world in order to compete again in the UCL.

Just like cross town rival Inter, AC Milan is after Bale.  Though Bale didn’t have quite the same performance against AC Milan as against Inter, their interest in him is strong nonetheless.

AC Milan looks to be one of the European clubs that makes the hardest push for Bale.

1. Tottenham Hotspur

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MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 05: The Tottenham Hotspur team (L-R back row) William Gallas, Michael Dawson, Vedran Corluka, Peter Crouch, Raniere Sandro and Heurelho Gomes (L-R front row) Rafael Van der Vaart, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Luka Modric, Gareth Bale and Je

At the end of the day, Gareth Bale is most likely to stay in North London and play for Tottenham Hotspur next season.

In March, Bale signed a four-and-a-half year deal to stay with the Spurs and manager Harry Redknapp has made it no secret he fully intends on keeping his young star for years to come.

Bale himself has vehemently denied rumors of him leaving Tottenham, but that has not deterred the top clubs in Europe from pursuing him.

However, it appears Gareth Bale will remain with Tottenham for the 2011-2012 season.