Tottenham have made signing Roma star Erik Lamela a priority as uncertainty continues to surround Gareth Bale's future.

Spurs coach Andre Villas-Boas and technical director Franco Baldini have made the 21 year-old winger a primary target should Bale leave White Hart Lane this summer.

Tottenham and Roma have begun discussions to agree a fee for the Argentinian valued at around £30m by the Serie A side.

Baldini who left Roma for Spurs this summer declared the club's interest in the player in a meeting with Roma director Walter Sabatini earlier this month and talks have now begun over a possible deal in this transfer window.

It follows reports today that Bale has told Welsh team-mates that he is certain to leave Tottenham and will not 'wear the Spurs shirt again'.

Although ruled out with a foot injury, Bale is with the Wales camp ahead of tonight's friendly against the Republic of Ireland.

Tottenham and Real Madrid remain at odds over the valuation of Bale, with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy placing a £100m price-tag on the former Southampton star.