Spurs Bale to represent GB in London Games

Bale is considering his future after Redknapp uncertainty. Tottenham’s Gareth Bale is reportedly contemplating a move away from Spurs, with the Welsh midfielder having left London to mull over his future. The Mirror reports that while Bale is said to be hugely disappointed that Spurs failed to land Champions League football for next season, it is the uncertainty surrounding the fate of Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp which has most unsettled him. Redknapp steered the North London club to fourth place in the Premier League, but Chelsea’s victory in the Champions League final means the Blues will take Tottenham’s place. Reports emerged over the weekend that the Tottenham board is split over offering Redknapp a new contract, with the Sun reporting that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy blames the 65- year-old manager for the side’s disappointing finish to the season. Redknapp was believed to be the FA’s first choice to replace Fabio Capello as England manager, with Spurs’ form suffering during a period of intense speculation. At one point during the campaign Tottenham looked set to challenge both Manchester City and Manchester United for the Premier League crown, but the Spurs ultimately had to settle for fourth place. Redknapp believes that he deserves a new deal and a considerable pay increase given his brief last summer to finish in the top four, and is coveted by a consortium in the Middle East who want the Englishman to work in Qatar. Bale is believed to be unwilling to commit his future to the club unless given assurances about Redknapp’s position, with Barcelona and Manchester City known to be long-term admirers of 22-year-old Welshman. Bale is expected to represent Great Britain at the Olympics this summer, and Tottenham value the player at around 40 million pounds after electrifying the Spurs faithful with his performances in the Premiership and Champions League. Newcastle captain Fabricio Coloccini is reportedly a target for Man City manager Roberto Mancini, with the Italian keen to add defense reinforcements. Centerback Coloccini was magnificent last season as he helped Newcastle finish in fifth place in the league, and was included in the PFA team of the season. It would take a considerable bid to pries the Argentina international away from St. James’ Park, with the popular defender having recently signed a new four-year contract, but the offer of Champions League football in addition to mammoth wages may persuade the player to force through a switch. Norwich City’s Grant Holt will cost interested clubs around 6 million pounds, with West Ham, Aston Villa and newly promoted Reading keen on signing the 31-year-old. Holt finished last season as the second highest English goal-scorer in the Premier League, and last week confirmed his desire to leave Carrow Road via his Twitter account. West Ham have seen a bid of 3 million pounds rebuffed by the club, but they are believed to be willing to offer more. Ex-Norwich manager Paul Lambert will also make a bid, believing Holt to be the ideal strike partner for Darren Bent at new club Aston Villa. The fallout from Lambert’s departure from the club is likely to have repercussions for any deal bringing Holt to Villa, and it remains to be seen whether Norwich would consider an approach from the midlands side. Inter Milan are targeting Real Madrid and Barcelona midfielders as they look to restructure their side. Italy’s Tuttosport reports that Inter are keen on Real Madrid duo Nuri Sahin and Lassana Diarra, and will also make a move for Barcelona’s Dutch midfielder Ibrahim Afellay. Sahin only signed for the Spanish giants last summer but injury disrupted his debut campaign, and the Turkish international made just four league appearances in Real’s championship winning year, while Diarra has fallen behind Sami Khedira in Madrid’s starting lineup. Former PSV captain Afellay also only joined Barcelona recently, and is available for transfer after making only five appearances all season. The Daily Mail reports that a number of clubs are showing interest in Shanghai Shenhua striker Nicolas Anelka, who is said to want a return to London, with Tottenham, West Ham and QPR supposedly keen on the player. The 33-year-old’s future will depend on whether the Chinese side will ask for a fee for the former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Arsenal player. By The Daily Star