This January transfer is all about one player. Gareth Bale, the 17 year old Southampton left back who has most coaches licking their lips and rubbing their hands in anticipation. Arsene Wenger, that keen connoisseur of young talent cannot stop talking about Bale, except that he does not have the money. Wenger has his defensive problems with the left back position presently being rotated by Clichy and Justin Hoyte. Sir Alex sees a future in Man Utd for Bale and has offered £8million which the Saints have refused. His selling point has been the excellent Man Utd record of developing players. Say what, Sir Alex?? This has been upped by Martin Jol and the Spurs who are ready to shell out £10million for Bale's services.
At this point the Spurs are favourites but the latest is that Bale is being given a reality check by Saints manager George Burley that young Bale should continue his education a little longer at Southampton. Prickly Saints fans are also none too pleased by the arrogant poaching of another talented player by the bigger clubs and have not held back in their disapproval. Bale seems to be morphing into a fantastic freekick specialist and with his speed and forays up front is inviting comparisons to the pre-eminent Welsh player of the modern era, Ryan Giggs. However, the focus on improving his attacking abilities seems to have come at the expense of his defensive skills. Scouts recognize his great talent but seem to have reservations as to his future role in clubs.
Southampton is in strong contention to capture one of the promotion spots into the Premiership. Bale's superb form this season has been instrumental to getting them thus far.
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