Bale closes on Tottenham switch

Bale has one year left on his deal at Southampton

BBC Sport Wales understands that Gareth Bale's move to Tottenham Hotspur has been sealed, although no official announcement has yet been made.

The Southampton and Wales full-back completed his medical on Thursday.

Saints boss George Burley earlier denied reports that a fee had been agreed between the two clubs.

But the 17-year-old Welsh international is understood to have arranged a four year deal for an initial fee of close to £6m, that could rise to £10m.

The teenage left-back has only one year left on his contract and was also linked with Arsenal and Manchester United.

606: DEBATE Your views on Bale's possible move to Spurs

Spurs had a bid of about £10m accepted by Saints in January, but Bale rejected the transfer at that time.

Following Southampton's failure to gain promotion this season the prospect of first-team football in the Premiership at Tottenham looks to have been enough to change his mind.

Bale made his debut as a 16-year-old last year for Saints - becoming the second youngest to ever play for the club - and this season he has become a regular for Southampton and Wales.

He's so young and has plenty of time, he'll be a star in the Premiership James Collins on Bale

He became the youngest Welsh international when he played against Trinidad & Tobago in May last year, setting up a late winner.

West Ham and Wales centre-back James Collins says his international team-mate will shine in the Premiership.

"It's a fantastic move and Gareth's a fantastic player, I hope it all goes well for him," said Collins, who joined the Hammers from Cardiff two seasons ago.

"It's a massive leap from Championship to Premiership, but he came in at international level and did so well.

"He's so young and has plenty of time, he'll be a star in the Premiership."