Gareth Bale expected to snub Tottenham return – ‘he wouldn’t like to go back’

Gareth Bale is unlikely to seal a dramatic return to Tottenham to play under Antonio Conte, according to Dimitar Berbatov.

Bale is considering his future, with his Real Madrid contract set to expire on July 1, meaning he will be free to discuss a free transfer with clubs in January.

The 32-year-old staying with Real appears unlikely, given he has featured just three times in La Liga under Carlo Ancelotti this season, scoring one goal.

The Spanish giants are also keen to get his reported £600,000-a-week wages off the books, opening up the possibility of a move back to the Premier League.

Bale spent last season on loan with Spurs, contributing 16 goals and three assists in 34 appearances under Jose Mourinho and interim boss Ryan Mason.

OkDiarioreported recently that new Tottenham manager Conte has asked chairman Daniel Levy to bring the Welsh forward back in January, but former Spurs striker Berbatov can’t see it happening.

“I see that Gareth Bale has been linked with another return,” Berbatov toldBetfair.

“He started slowly the last time he was at Spurs. Everybody was excited but he did start slowly. There was improvement as well in his performances.

“I must say I expected more, but overall it was satisfying seeing him back in a Spurs shirt.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Would Gareth Bale be a good signing for Spurs in January? Comment below.

“Is he coming back? Honestly, I don't think he would like to go back. I think he would like to see his contract with Real Madrid finish and then decide what to do.”

Bale is currently focused on Wales, for whom he can become just the second player to reach 100 caps if he plays against Belarus on Saturday.

He has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since September 8, but is raring to go once again as he tries to impress potential suitors.

Conte, meanwhile, will have one eye on the upcoming January transfer window after taking over from Nuno Espirito Santo at Spurs.

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The Italian has so far taken charge of two games, beating Vitesse 3-2 in the Europa Conference League and drawing 0-0 with Everton in the Premier League.

Spurs will face Leeds United on November 21, after the international break.

Betfair Exchange: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to go by December 26?

Yes: 21/20 (48%)

No: 5/6 (56%)

Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: "The odds are in favour at 56 per cent likelihood on the Betfair Exchange of Ole staying in a job until Christmas, due to the time being afforded to him by the club's owners to turn fortunes around, and the Red Devils' relatively easy run of fixtures in November and December – except perhaps for Chelsea away.

"However, the fact that he is still 48 per cent likely to be sacked by Christmas in a close betting market suggests that the end could be nigh for the Norwegian if he oversees one or two poor results in such a period of winnable games."

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