Gareth Bale shouldn’t be denied the ‘once in a lifetime chance’ by Spurs, says Zinedine Zidane (Picture: PA)

Real Madrid’s sporting director Zinedine Zidane has urged Tottenham to allow Gareth Bale to speak with the Spanish club over a prospective move and enable the Welshman to take the ‘once in a lifetime chance’.

Madrid have been Bale’s most high-profile suitors this summer, reportedly willing to offer in excess of £85m to land their top transfer target – a fee which would smash the £80m world transfer record they handed over to Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009.

But with Tottenham unwilling to let their star man depart White Hart Lane despite his alleged desire to speak with Carlo Ancelotti’s side, Zidane has stepped in to offer his thoughts on the saga.



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‘It is not unusual when a player knows that Real Madrid are interested in them that they get excited. There is nothing more prestigious for a player to wear the white of Real Madrid,’ said the former Galactico.

‘If he has expressed a desire to join Madrid then Tottenham should give him permission to speak with us. The chance to play for Real Madrid might only come around once in a player’s lifetime – and it is understandable that Gareth doesn’t want to miss out on it.’

And Zidane, speaking in Los Angeles where Madrid are due to play LA Galaxy in a pre-season friendly on Thursday, believes Bale could become the best player in the world should he join the Spanish giants.

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Gareth Bale is believed to be interested in speaking with Real Madrid (Picture: Getty)

‘Last season Gareth was on the same level as [Cristiano] Ronaldo and [Lionel] Messi,’ he added.

‘The best players can have not so great games – but change a game with a moment of brilliance. Those are the sort of players that win you Champions League’s and League titles

‘He is already one of the finest players in Europe and he has everything needed to become the best player in the world. It is a bit of a cliche – but it is true you become a better player playing with better players.’

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is believed to have cut short a family holiday in order to speak with Bale in London, while the 24-year-old’s representatives are thought to be preparing to meet with Levy to orchestrate a move for their client.