Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes that Tottenham Hotspur winger Gareth Bale is a "fantastic" player following reports that the club are interested in luring the Welshman to the Etihad Stadium this summer.

Speculation over the future of the 22-year-old has been ongoing in recent months and rumours have surfaced linking Man City with a £40m move for Bale.

In a press conference today, Mancini addressed the reports by saying: "Gareth Bale is a fantastic player but I don't think he will leave a big team like Tottenham."

Bale fuelled speculation of a possible exit from White Hart Lane after claiming that he will consider his future at the end of the season.