Real Madrid have gained first refusal on Tottenham star Gareth Bale. The Sunday Mirror says Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United have all been linked with the 23-year-old who has emerged as one of the Premier League's outstanding talents. In the wake of Luka Modric's transfer to Real last week, the clubs announced that they had formed a new alliance.

In a statement, it was ­revealed this will involve "players, coaches, best practices and commercial relationships".

It is also thought that Jose Mourinho's Real will now get the first chance to sign Bale should either ­Tottenham ­decide to cash in on their ­valuable asset or if the player asks to leave.