Real Madrid sporting director Zinedine Zidane is adamant that the club will continue to pursue Tottenham Hotspur winger Gareth Bale.
"We will not give up on Gareth Bale," Zidane told Le 10 Sport. "It is normal that Tottenham want to keep him and make him sign a new contract, but it is impossible to forget a player of his quality."
The Frenchman insisted that the two clubs have a good relationship but stressed that the Bale issues needs to be treated cautiously to ensure the relationship remains strong.
"[Real Madrid have] a very good relationship with Tottenham and we must go slowly," he added.
The Gareth Bale saga seems likely to drag on up until the close of the transfer window. With the player reported to be eager to complete the transfer, Tottenham need to decide a suitable price. The Daily Mail believes that Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy and shareholder Joe Lewis will accept £85 million plus a player. Fabio Coentrao and Angel Di Maria are the favourites to make the switch.
The Daily Mail goes on to specify that Bale would like his future to be resolved by the close of this week. The player, who has also attracted interest from Premier League champions, will only consider leaving Tottenham for the Bernabeu.
Bale has also received public support from Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who considers the Welshman amongst the top three or four players in the continent.
"He is one of the best three or four players in Europe," the Spaniard was quoted saying by the Sun. "All these big transfers are controversial for good or bad reasons but he is a player who decides games."
Casillas expects there to be at least one new addition to the squad before the close of the transfer window, with Bale as the likely target.
"I am sure there will be a new player with us before the transfer window closes," Casillas added.
Madrid have already signed Isco and Asier Illarramendi this summer.
