But just a month before in August Redknapp had come close to loaning young Bale out with newly relegated Newcastle a possible destination.

FORBES: Bale Comparisons With Messi and Ronaldo Don't Hold Up But .......

His apparent reluctance to bale out Mr Barak stems rather from the fact that he has heard nothing from him that would make it worth his while.

ECONOMIST: The Palestinians

Chances continued to come at regular intervals in an open and entertaining encounter, with Beckford firing just over on the turn from 10 yards and Crouch having a goal correctly ruled out for offside when he turned in Gareth Bale's pass.

BBC: Louis Saha (centre) celebrates

Defoe had a chance to win the game for Tottenham in injury time but though he stretched to connect with Bale's cross he could only poke the ball wide of the target from four yards out.

CNN: Manchester clubs sink London rivals to move clear at summit