Real Madrid are reportedly planning a summer raid on Tottenham Hotspur. However, the wide man they now want is Kyle Walker, not long-time target Gareth Bale.

The 22-year-old right-back, who already has four England caps to his name, has made 37 appearances in all competitions for Spurs this season. The Meringues are looking for a long-term replacement for Alvaro Arbeloa and Walker is now at the top of their list, according to the Daily Mirror.

Kyle Walker
Reuters

The report claims the Spaniards have been keeping tabs on the young full-back for the last 18 months. And now with the new "partnership agreement" in place, they are confident they have an informal first option on Tottenham players who are up for grabs.

Jose Mourinho is understood to be a long-time admirer of Walker and though the Portuguese tactician is likely to leave the Bernabeu at the end of the season, the Spurs star will remain a target for Los Blancos.

With Real's top target Bale reportedly set to stay at Tottenham for at least one more season, due to personal reasons, Walker now emerges as the most likely candidate to make a summer switch from London to Madrid.

The defender, who joined Spurs from Sheffield United in 2009, signed a five-year deal last summer and hence club chairman Daniel Levy is likely to demand at least £15m for him, if and when Madrid make an approach.

Dalglish: Bale Will Beat Arsenal

Meanwhile, Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish claims Bale will be the deciding factor in today's north London derby at White Hart Lane.

Spurs have a chance to extend their lead over Arsenal to seven points and Dalglish feels they will triumph largely because of Bale's individual skills.

"I reckon Spurs will beat Arsenal in the North London derby. There are two reasons for that: they're at home and they have Gareth Bale. He brings so much to the game: width, pace, power, control, finishing, crossing ability and he has the ability to change games," Dalglish said.

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