Transfer news: Tim Sherwood claims £86m for Gareth Bale looks 'cheap' if winger guides Real Madrid to Champions League glory

Sherwood feels Tottenham were short-changed even though they received a world-record fee for Bale

Friday 18 April 2014 08:18

Gareth Bale celebrates his winning goal in the 2-1 Copa del Rey final victory over Barcelona

(Getty Images)

Tottenham got a world-record fee for Gareth Bale but head coach Tim Sherwood cannot help feeling they were short-changed.

After a marvellous few years at White Hart Lane, the 24-year-old last summer swapped north London for Real Madrid in a record-breaking 100million euros (£85.3million) deal.

The gargantuan fee raised more than a few eyebrows but Bale has not wilted under the pressure brought by the price tag.

The winger has shone in his debut campaign in Spain and so far netted 20 goals, the latest being Wednesday's outstanding solo strike that secured Madrid the Copa del Rey crown at the expense of Barcelona.

The strength, speed and composure shown by Bale in scoring left onwatchers open-mouthed and reinforced Spurs head coach Sherwood's belief that Tottenham should have got more money for him.

"His fee looks cheap now," Sherwood said. "If he is going to deliver them the European Cup - which it looks like he might - then that looks good business [for Madrid].

Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer

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1/21Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer

Another striker linked with Chelsea as they look to bolster their front line, the Uruguayan may have only recently joined PSG but that won't stop rumours about him moving from flying around all summer. Particularly if he impresses at the World Cup in Brazil where he will be coming up against England in the group stages.

The Colombian surprised many with his move to Monaco last season but it would not surprise many if he moved on again this summer. Chelsea are one of many clubs reportedly keen to bring him in. He has been ruled out of the World Cup with a knee injury.

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One player who's been creating transfer rumours for a while is Toni Kroos. The German has been linked with a move to Manchester United as his contract talks with Bayern Munich stall. Whether Kroos is simply exploiting United's need for midfield improvements simply to improve his Bayern contract remains to be seen. His superb goals against Arsenal at the Emirates the last two years running highlight just what a talent the Germany international is.

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For some reason Victor Valdes wants to leave Barcelona this summer and Liverpool, Manchester City and Monaco have all been linked with his signature. A recent injury that saw him miss the end of the season and the World Cup could change things, with the Spaniard potentially choosing to stay until his recuperation is over.

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Juventus are set to offer Paul Pogba a new contract according to some reports, however his £40m buyout clause must be tempting to some, former club Manchester United included. Comes with something of a reputation however, so would be a gamble.

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The Portuguese left back nearly joined Manchester United in January and with the Premier League bracing itself for a flurry of activity in that particular position, Coentrao could be one man in line for a move. Particularly as he has struggled for appearances at Real Madrid this term.

Why always linked with transfers? For one reason or another, Super Mario is one man constantly in the transfer spotlight with a potential reuniting with former boss Jose Mourinho at Chelsea being mooted by some while other reports suggesting he has been offered to Arsenal for £30m.

The self-styled 'best in the world' in his role, has had a great season with Juventus and consequently finds himself in the sights of Real Madrid and Manchester United United according to reports. A good World Cup with Chile will only boost the likelihood of some offers.

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It seems unlikely that Aguero is likely to quit Manchester City but following his continuing excellence at the club, the Argentine forward reportedly remains a target for Real Madrid who might be the one club capable of luring him away from the Etihad. Them and Barcelona, who his father says would be difficult for Aguero to turn down.

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Synonymous with Real Madrid for so long, Casillas fell out of favour with first Jose Mourinho and now Carlo Ancelotti and a summer move seems likely. Where the Spanish captain will go is less clear. Barcelona will be in need of a new keeper, but surely that move won't happen? Arsenal are another club reportedly interested in finding a new number one.

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So exciting to watch at Dortmund, Kagawa has failed to shine at Old Trafford and has struggled to earn a first team place this season. Many blame the manager but few could complain if the Japanese star was keen to move on this summer. A return to Dortmund is a possibility.

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It seems like almost every top European club is looking to reinforce the centre of its defence at the moment and consequently Eliaquim Mangala could be in high demand. The Porto centre-back's value meanwhile is going up and up.

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Julian Draxler has featured heavily in recent transfer windows and looks set to do so again this summer with Arsenal once again linked with the German star. The Germany international has signalled he's open to a move away from Schalke.

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Liverpool's Suarez-inspired league form and subsequent Champions League qualification may help keep the Uruguayan on Merseyside, however rumours of a move to a bigger club will still persist this summer. Particularly when it seems whenever the striker returns to his native Uruguay he forgets about his affection for the Reds. An impressive World Cup, if he recovers from an injury in time, will only fuel speculation.

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Porto's Colombian striker is seemingly always mentioned in transfer gossip pages and this summer looks set to be no different. With Falcao set to miss the World Cup, this tournament could be Martinez's chance to really show himself off on the world stage with Colombia.

A free agent in June, which means a host of clubs could be interested in the 23-year-old centre-back. Manchester United are one of those reportedly keen on the Villarreal player.

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The 'Great Dane' is out of contract in the summer and if we are to believe the man himself then a move to Real Madrid or Barcelona beckons. A switch to Sunderland or Stoke might be more likely.

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Another player plying his trade in Portugal that is causing a bit of a stir. The 21-year-old is at Sporting Lisbon for the moment but a bumper offer could see him on his way. Fees in the region of £37m have been mooted for the defensive midfielder, with Manchester United one of those reportedly ready to stump up the cash.

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There could be a battle on Merseyside between Liverpool and Everton for this young striker. The 21-year-old is currently playing for Nürnberg in the Bundesliga, and having already scored a couple of goals for Switzerland at international level, is a rising star.

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The France international has for so long been linked with a move to the Premier League that it's almost as if he's here already. But he's not, he's in Russia with Rubin Kazan. But that might not be the case after this summer for the 23-year-old with Liverpool in particular linked with the defensive midfielder.

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They might have paid £50m for him, but Torres' days at Chelsea look numbered. Jose Mourinho has done anything but offer a ringing endorsement for the Spaniard and with the Blues linked with just about every striker going, Torres should move on. Despite his problems in front of goal, there won't be a shortage of suitors. Inter Milan have been linked as have his former club Atletico Madrid.

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"To have Cristiano Ronaldo and Bale - he's a freak of nature what you see there.

"When he was running on the track he'd run past three old ladies eating a hamburger and come back on the pitch, and still be fastest to the ball.

"Look at his goal, he was playing against Barcelona, he's had a great season."

Sherwood sent Bale a text message after Madrid's win saying 'Well done mate, keep it going', but laughed as he revealed he did not get one back.

Sherwood confirms Lamela has 'no chance' of playing this season

It is no surprise given the number of well-wishers, which included the world's best player present and past, Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane, at the end of a game that left those connected with Spurs wondering what could have been.

This season has been a tumultuous one at White Hart Lane and Champions League qualification is now almost certainly beyond them.

"Give me Gareth Bale and I think we might have been realistic challengers for the top four this season," Sherwood said.

"You saw what Gareth did - eight winning goals last season out of 21 goals and nine assists. If you put them on to our season it would have a different complexion.

"Speculation was rife at the time - nearly as long as the speculation surrounding me.

"He certainly dealt with it and I think to be fair, he wanted to go. Once a player wants to go, it is very difficult to keep him. Unless you are Liverpool of course."

PA

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