IF this is true, then from what I've heard he would be a great addition to the squad - IF Jol & Co think he's the biz then I'd happily see us pay even more -

We have plenty of money - what we don't have is plenty of trophies in the last decade - I'm desperate for us to start winning trophies again, starting with this season. I suspect we need to strengthen our squad to achieve this
<!-- / message -->

I didnt know we struggled defensively on the left. Lee is def good enough and BAE is good cover. Maybe we want him for the left wing.

i haven't seen him play to be honest, just the free kickes in highlights, but from what i'm told by a s'hampton fan friend of mine, his awsome! imo we should really push for this lad, think he would be a good adition to the squad at the moment, and could become a world class!
If jol, fergi, and W*#*er all think he's worth 5 mill + then you can't really argue with that.

Definetly an outstanding prospect but if this is true I think it will become an auction and wouldnt be hopeful about our chances if that does happen.
As for soembody saying we dont have a problem at left back all I can say is you must be joking...........Lee is right footed and only goes one way and Ekotto is simply not up to the standard required for english premiership football. Both struggle defensively and physically............oh and the position in front of them still needs filling as well............so basically the entire left side is glaringly the place where work needs to be done

spot on, the left side is our major problem area and once this area is sorted we then can challenge for a top 4 place

just have to look at Chimbonda/Lennon on the right to see that the left side is holding us back as it is not the same quality, we would be less predictable and have more creativity if our left side was as strong as our right, it would also make Lennon's job a little easier

Think there's a possibility that we'll sign the young lad ahead of L'arse and Manure.

Clichy at Arsenal is still very young and talented and within few years he will establish himself as one of the worlds best left backs. So why would Bale move to a club where he only will be playing Carling Cup matches and reserve team football?

Man Utd is a decent choice for Bale as he certinly will get some Premiership matches. Evra and Heinze have not been impressive at Old Trafford and Fergie is always out for real talent. However it's unlikely that Man Utd will pay around £6 m for a future prospect when they are likely to spend £15 m on Hargreaves this January.

At Spurs Bale would fit right in. Tottenham are a team build on young British talent, and furthermore they are desperate to sign a left back as Lee is right footed and Assou-Ekotto has failed to impress.

the express are running this story on their back page too. Apparantly we're offering £2.5m up front, then £2.5m based on appearences. But saints are holding out coz they believe Utd are goingot bid £7m.

Personally I think we should get this guy while we can. There aren't many quality left backs around.

It's unusual for Spurs to conduct their business so publicly: what's going on?

In order of probability:

Option 1: The rumour is bullshit.

Option 2: Someone at Southampton has a loose mouth.

Option 3: Gareth Bale's agent has a loose mouth.

Option 4: Someone at Spurs has a loose mouth.

The sad fact is that if Man U, Chelsea or Arse come calling few young players with stars in their eyes are going to say "No thanks, id rather stay at Southampton", or "No thanks, id rather go to Spurs"

From what i've seen this kid could be the next Beckham or even better and he's leftfooted and they don't come
along too often, do they ?

Giggs is getting on a bit and they need someone on the left too.

I reckon Manure will get him"hope not," but i think a
Celt for a Celt is what Fergie' s got in mind.

Maybe we will help them pay much more for him,it looks
like we'll just have to wait and see.

I think we should go all out for Bale, Barnes and Richards and then shed a couple of players like Stalteri, Lee, Davids, Murphy and then the squad would be complete. Then get them all on 10 year contracts.

Don't you mean "Baleshit."

I said weeks ago we should go for Bale. What concerns me is that the source is The Mirror, so its probably just a made up story!

Has Assou-Ekotto failed to impress? I know he was poor against Arsenal but so were the majority of the team!

we need to get him although ekotto has only had one terrible game he has been ok in the others. Bale is a great prospect and would be great in our squad.

Ekotto started ok but I think he has some definate frailities, he seems to point a lot to other players to get them to cover him and then goes diving into the tackle. I think he could get a lot better, given time but go all out for Bale now. By the way I don't think Downing would be a good buy!

I'd go for Bale but also keep in mind Ekotto is YOUNG.
Have the top of em battle for the left back position for the next decade!