Sky Sports pundit Danny Mills believes that Gareth Bale would be a terrific signing for Tottenham but admits signing him would be a gamble.
The former Spurs man has had a torrid season at Madrid and could depart the Bernabeu this summer.
Bale, 29, scored 14 goals in 42 appearances last term but was heavily criticised for large parts of the season.
Tottenham sold the Welshman to Madrid in 2013 for £90 million and have been linked with a move to bring the international winger back to North London.
“Without a shadow of a doubt, he’d be a great signing for Spurs,” Mills told Football Insider.
“But you have to make the numbers work. Signing him permanently would cost a package of around £150 million for the transfer fee and wages over a four-year deal and then you would have a player in his mid-30s and you wouldn’t get any money for him.
“Unless Real Madrid are prepared to take a hit on the transfer fee, the best option is a season-long loan. No way is it a £5million loan fee. It would be a £15-20 million loan fee plus wages on top. Would it be a big gamble, given his injury history? Yes, it probably would.”
Bale has won 75 caps for his country, scoring 31 goals.
OPINION
It’s sad to see such a great player not being fully appreciated. The best thing for Bale would be a move away from Madrid and a return to Tottenham would be perfect for both Bale and Spurs. Having said that, even a loan move could require an astronomical loan fee and his wages are also sky high. Tottenham, however, have recently moved into their new stadium and have the Champions League final on June 1 – Bale could help take them to another level both commercially and on the pitch next season. He would be a real marquee signing and the hope is that Madrid part ways with Bale at a reasonable price. The Welshman will turn 30-years-old in July and with his injury record in mind, it would be a serious risk signing him permanently. A loan deal would be much more suitable but only if Real Madrid become more realistic with their demands.