Real Madrid eyes £45m-rated Tottenham winger Gareth Bale

Real Madrid are in pole position to sign Gareth Bale after securing first option on the £45million-rated Wales winger.

Luka Modric joined the Spanish champions last month, paving the way for future player exchanges between the two clubs, who agreed a new 'partnership' that, according to Spurs, will see them 'working together in respect of players, coaching, best practices and commercial relationships.'

And, despite signing a new four-year contract at Spurs in June, Bale could be the next star to swap White Hart Lane for the Bernabeu, according to the Sunday Mirror.

The 23-year-old flyer has attracted interest from European football's giants ever since destroying Inter Milan right-back Maicon during Tottenham's Champions League run in the 2010-11 season.

Real head a list of admirers that also includes Barcelona and Manchester United.

But the new partnership between Madrid and Spurs puts Jose Mourinho in front in the race to land Bale.