Tottenham Hotspur (10/3 to finish in the top four) boss Harry Redknapp has denied speculation that left-back Gareth Bale could be leaving the club for Real Madrid.
Newly-appointed Real manager Jose Mourinho has been linked with a move for the Wales international in the January transfer window.
The former Chelsea boss has been looking to bolster his defensive options at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole also being linked with a move to the Spanish giants.
However, Redknapp has insisted that he will not be letting Bale leave north London.
He said: “I read in the papers the other day that Gareth’s performances for Spurs have already caught the attention of other teams around the world – including Real Madrid and their manager, a certain Jose Mourinho.
“Jose certainly knows a player when he sees one. But one thing is for sure. I am not letting Gareth go anywhere.
“Tottenham is a team on the up and we are building something at White Hart Lane,” he added.
Bale has had a strong start to the Premier League season, scoring three goals including one in the Champions League against Dutch side FC Twente.
The 21-year-old has developed into a great player for Spurs since he joined the North London club in 2007 from Southampton.
Initially Bale struggled to cope with life in the Premier League and had an astonishing run of not being part of a winning Spurs side.
However, the Welshman has improved greatly and Redknapp believes he is one of the best players in the top flight.
He said: “I do not make comparisons lightly but he and Ashley Cole are quite similar and that can only be a massive compliment to Gareth.
“My left-back at Tottenham has come through an amazing 12 months and matured into one of the best players in his position in the world.
“Just over a year ago, he had this awful jinx hanging over him where he had not played in a winning Spurs team,” he added.
Spurs will be hoping that Bale can continue his good form this season when they take on Aston Villa at White Hart Lane on Saturday (Tottenham Hotspur 20/21, draw 12/5, Aston Villa).
Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.