Andre Villas-Boas Confirms Gareth Bale's Move to Real Madrid is Close to Completion

Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas says Gareth Bale is close to securing his "dream" move to Real Madrid but admits the Welshman could be fined after missing two successive days of training.

Bale failed to report to the club's training ground at Spurs Lodge on Tuesday or Wednesday after returning from Madrid with his world-record deal to Real hanging in the balance.

But Villas-Boas, who has previously refused to comment on Bale's future at Tottenham, says the 24 year old is on the brink of finalising his move to the Spanish capital.

"The final draft of contracts is taking place," Villas-Boas said. "I'm not sure how long it is going to take. It might not happen so soon so it could go to the last day, it could happen in the next two days.

"Obviously he is involved in a big transfer move to Real Madrid and in the end if it happens we wish him all the best."

The ex-Southampton winger hasn't featured for Tottenham this season and has twice missed training this week as he attempts to force through his move to Real, who have erected a stage at the Bernabeu and begun selling shirts with his name in anticipation of his move.

Villas-Boas refused to comment on the conduct of the Spanish giants but says Tottenham will consider fining Bale when he failed to return to the club after being given the Bank Holiday weekend off.

"I gave the player the weekend off, Monday was a day off for all the squad," Villas-Boas added. "What he has left are great memories and the fact he hasn't turned up isn't the correct behaviour.

"In the end it is a position of pressure and a statement from the player whatever that means. It's the position they chose to take. It is up to the club now to decide if it is a finable offence."

With the summer window closing on 2 September, time is running out for a deal - which is expected to break the world transfer record - to be completed but Villas-Boas says talks could conclude before the end of the week while pledging to continue adding to his squad.

"We had a great, great season," he stated. "Obviously what is happening is a dream move for him. In the end this transfer will happen but perhaps in a different way.

"In the end it will be a three-way agreement. Tottenham will accept the biggest transfer in world football.

"In the end if Tottenham accepts and if everything goes alright it will be the end of story.

"I've told you that we will continue to re-strengthen the squad. We are looking at different positions to make us stronger. In the next couple of days we will have news of new arrivals at Tottenham."