Sigurdsson and Bale
Sigurdsson says that Bale is an important part of the Tottenham line-up for more reasons than on the pitch.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson claims that it is vital that Gareth Bale remains at the club to help attract more high profile signings and secure Champions League football next season.

Bale's future has been the subject of much speculation this summer with Andre Villas-Boas today confirming that talks are ongoing over the winger signing a new deal with the club.

But Real Madrid remain interested and most recently Paris Saint Germain reportedly became linked with a move for Bale as well. But Sigurdsson claims that Tottenham are well aware of how useful Bale is to the club, not just on the pitch, but off it as well.

"He's a great player and if he stays it will be fantastic. I am sure he will stay because he's still here," he said, according to Sky Sports.

"He is a draw for other players to come here. Good players want to play with other big players. It's a big club and hopefully he'll stay and we'll bring in a few other good players."

Tottenham have so far signed Brazilian midfielder Paulinho and FC Twente's Nacer Chadli in this transfer window. The club are also close to sealing a deal for Roberto Soldado though they are facing competition from Liverpool for the striker, and Sigurdsson believes that the summer so far has been one of success for Spurs.

"We've strengthened. We saw Paulinho in the Confederations Cup. He looked a good player there and was shining," he explained. "We've signed a winger from Holland as well who is looking really good in training. Hopefully we'll bring a couple more in and they'll help us for the season.

"The team spirit is really good and a lot of the players are the same age, so we all get along really well.

"We're all determined to get that Champions League spot and win some trophies, that's the important thing."

Tottenham's fight for Champions League football has been particularly difficult in recent seasons; the side missed out in 2011 because of Chelsea winning the tournament and securing a place from sixth spot, while in 2012 they missed out on fourth place by just a single point.

Sigurdsson says that after all the disappointment the side are determined to make this season a successful one.

"The players here talk about getting into the Champions League two seasons ago and how fantastic it was," the Iceland international said.

"Missing out when Chelsea won the Champions League and being fifth last season was very disappointing.

"It's hard to deal with for a couple of weeks after the season ends but then you start thinking about the next season. We're determined to make it our year."

Real Madrid