Barcelona look unlikely to sign Gareth Bale as they have baulked at Tottenham Hotspur's asking price.

It is thought that the North London outfit will accept nothing more than £40m for the Welshman, yet the European champions are unwilling to pay more than the £16.5m at which they value the player.

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp recently dismissed any talk of a potential move away from the club for the former Southampton midfielder and insists that there has been no contact from anyone about a transfer.

Queens Park Rangers boss Mark Hughes has urged Bale to stay at White Hart Lane. Hughes, who made the move to the Nou Camp from Manchester United at the age of 24, believes that the 22-year-old is better off where he is for the time being.

Barcelona are now thought to have turned their attentions to Valencia winger Jordi Alba, who is also reportedly of interest to Manchester United.