The Tottenham Hotspur winger Gareth Bale has refused to comment after being quizzed by reporters over speculation linking him with a record-breaking transfer to Real Madrid.
24-year-old Bale is believed to be on the brink of a move to the nine-time champions for a fee that could eclipse the $US123.6 million Madrid paid Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009.
Bale has not played for Spurs for over a month because of injury, and he'll be a spectator only at Thursday morning's friendly international between Wales and the Republic of Ireland.
Wales manager Chris Coleman has said the decision that Bale would not play against Ireland was made by Wales, not Tottenham.
