‘It will be difficult for Tottenham to keep hold of Gareth Bale’

Darren Anderton believes it will be “difficult” for Tottenham to convince Gareth Bale to stay at the club for years to come.

The Wales international has been one of the Premier League’s standout performers this season and has earned a nomination for the PFA player of the year award.

The 23-year-old’s stunning form has inevitably attracted interest from a host of Europe’s top clubs, including Real Madrid.

And former Spurs midfielder Anderton says that the north Londoners will have a tough time holding on to the winger.

“It’ll be difficult for Spurs to keep him,” Anderson told talkSPORT.

“He’s already turned into one of the best players in the world, I think he’s outstanding.

“For me he’s got everything, he’s got pace, power, strength, he’s got bags of ability.

“A lot of the focus of wingers is the quality of the final ball. There’s no point beating three players if your final ball isn’t good enough, but Bale goes on those 50-yard runs and picks out the ball.

“That’s what David Beckham was wonderful at and that’s what it’s all about. His quality is unbelievable.”