BALE NOT NO 1: REAL CLAIM THEY'VE GOT £78M-TO KEEP RONALDO HISTORY

Real Madrid on Friday night insisted they have persuaded Tottenham to sell Gareth Bale for £78million — £2m less than the record fee they paid for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Bale’s move is expected to be confirmed on Saturday by Real, who will release the money in a staggering one-off payment.

Madrid have secured bank loans to cover the fee, ensuring Ronaldo remains the costliest player in history, something that will no doubt play to his ego.

Tottenham were offered a world record £101m for Bale, but that deal involved three payments and chairman Daniel Levy has instead secured immediate remuneration for a player he paid £7m for in 2008. Bale’s agent first met Madrid officials in June and a six-year contract, which will see the Welshman earn £8.5m a season, was settled on long ago.

An agreement to let Tottenham complete their transfer activity and uncertainty about Madrid’s ability to finance the payment had caused delays.

Bale could be presented as a Real player on a stage in the Bernabeu on Saturday morning, although Monday is more likely.