Barcelona send chief scout to watch Bale as they prepare £35m bid
Published 22:30 10/11/11 By John Cross
Barcelona have stepped up their interest in Gareth Bale - and are ready to make a £35m swoop.
Barca coach Pep Guardiola sent his chief scout Albert Valentine to spy on the Welsh flier in Tottenham's win at Fulham on Sunday.
Reports from Spain say that Guardiola is now keen to make a move for Bale, with Spurs facing a major battle to keep hold of their prize asset.
Bale, 22, is under contract until 2015 having signed a new £75,000-a-week deal in March.
But Tottenham's resolve is likely to be tempted by Barcelona as the left side is a problem which Guardiola is keen to solve.
It is likely they see Bale as an attacking left back as Maxwell, Eric Abidal and Adriano are all seen as weak links.
Tottenham held off Chelsea's attempts to sign Luka Modric last summer but Arsenal failed to keep hold of Cesc Fabregas this summer and the reigning European champions may be difficult for Bale to resist.
Both Milan clubs and Real Madrid have previously looked at Bale after his impressive form for Spurs in the Champions League.
Bale was also given a glowing report by Valentine after scoring and setting up another goal in Spurs' win at Fulham on Sunday.
