Gareth Bale 'can become world's best left-sided player'

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Redknapp tips Bale for greatness

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp says Gareth Bale is not for sale and he believes the 21-year-old can become the best left-sided player in the world.

Bale has been in fine form this season and has forged a formidable partnership with left-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto.

"Ashley Cole is the best left-back in the world at the moment, but Gareth Bale is a young player who is going to be as good as anyone," said Redknapp.

"Left-back or left-sided, he's got everything to be a great player."

Wales international Bale joined Tottenham from Southampton in 2007 but initially struggled to get into the first team.

606: DEBATE Have your say on Bale's form

The Cardiff-born star went 24 Premier League games without winning a game for Tottenham but soon moved from left-back to left-wing as his fortunes turned at White Hart Lane.

Bale's revival coincided with Tottenham's as they secured a top-four finish last term and Champions League football for this season.

And Bale scored in Tottenham's 4-1 Champions League victory over FC Twente on Tuesday, adding to his growing reputation as one of Europe's most feared wingers.

His form has led Redknapp to slap a 'not for sale' sign on Bale's head, with the Spurs boss determined to keep hold of one of his star assets.

"No-one's rung me about Gareth Bale, but we won't be selling Gareth," Redknapp told BBC Sport.

"We are building something at Tottenham, we want to establish ourselves and be right up there every season challenging for Champions League football and trophies.

Redknapp added: "He needs to stay with Tottenham and develop.

"He's gone from a lad who couldn't get in the team and then when he could, through no fault of his own, he had a horrendous record of not winning in the Premier League for 24 games, which played on his mind and played on my mind and everyone associated with the club."