Gareth Bale should stay at Tottenham, says Glenn Hoddle

Glenn Hoddle has urged Tottenham winger Gareth Bale to stay at White Harte Lane to allow his career to develop.

Bale was named the PFA Player of the Year on Sunday night, capping a spectacular season for the Wales international, who is now a reported target of a host of Europe’s top clubs.

But Tottenham Hotspur legend Hoddle believes a move away from north London could damage the 21-year-old’s blossoming career.

“If he was ever going to move, it should be in two or three years’ time – mature a little bit more, find out what the game is all about,” Hoddle told Press Association Sport.

“It is great when it is going well for him but there will be moments like he had a couple of years ago when you learn a lot more about yourself when things aren’t going quite as well.”

The former Southampton youngster took time to settle in north London and famously went 24 games without being on the winning side for Spurs.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp claimed Bale’s market value is £80m after the Spurs manager insisted last month that it would take a world record bid for the Londoners to consider letting their prized asset leave.

“Manchester United sold Cristiano Ronaldo [to Real] but they got an offer of £80m,” said Redknapp in March.

“I’m sure it would have to be [that kind of money for Bale]. It would be an amazing figure if you ever sold him.

“But how do you replace a player like that? It’s very difficult. We wouldn’t be wanting to sell a player like Gareth Bale at this time, when we’re trying to build the club.”