Madrid Send Zinedine Zidane to Scout Gareth Bale - Report

Real Madrid continue their pursuit of Tottenham winger Gareth Bale. The Daily Mail believes the Spanish champions sent ex-French international and club legend Zinedine Zidane to the Stade Gerland in midweek, to attend Spurs' Europa League match against Olympique Lyon.

Bale has been in sensational form this season and a return of 17 goals and six assists in 32 appearances in all competitions this season, from a wide position, has only served to illustrate his value.

Madrid president Florentino Perez is believed to have identified the 23-year-old as a priority summer signing at the Santiago Bernabaeu, where the Welsh international will look to link up with Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, Argentine duo Gonzalo Higuain and Angel di Maria, Germans Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil, France striker Karim Benzema and a host of other top stars.

The nine-time Champions League winners have reportedly been in contact with Spurs' chairman, Daniel Levy, ever since the summer bid for Croatian playmaker Luka Modric. Earlier this season, Spanish newspaper Marca announced Jose Mourinho's team had begun formal negotiations over a £33m bid. Since then, talkSPORT reported on a £38m offer and another Spanish newspaper, El Confidencial, confirmed formal negotiations with the player's agents were underway.

Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich have also been linked to the player and with ex-Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola set to take charge this summer at the Allianz Arena, the race for Bale's signature is far from over.

Tottenham Issue Warning to Fans

In other news, the north London club has asked its fans to behave properly, ahead of the Monday night Premier League match against West Ham United. The statement comes after disturbances in the reverse fixture at White Hart Lane in November, when Hammers' fans incited the home crowd with anti-Semitic chants.

The full statement reads:

"Ahead of Monday's Premier League match at West Ham United, and following the events that took place during our game at White Hart Lane in November, the police have asked us to remind supporters travelling to Upton Park that both sets of fans behaviour will be under scrutiny at this match. The Club does not tolerate discrimination of any sort, on the pitch or in the stands, and we shall take action against anyone heard using abusive, offensive or obscene language. All of our supporters travelling to Upton Park are doing so as ambassadors of the Club and we would ask that they behave in a manner of which we can be proud."