Confirmed: Bale a Spur

Tottenham have beaten out Manchester United and have just confirmed the signing of Wales International left-back Gareth Bale from Southampton for a reported 5m pound initial fee.

The 17-year-old has received lots of attention all season from Manchester but Tottenham have won the day and signed one of the finest defensive prospects in years. Southampton's failure to gain promotion this season made it a foregone conclusion Bale would move.

The initial fee of 5m could double depending on Bale's development.

Bale should challenge for a regular starting place at White Hart Lane from the get go. Tottenham have had problems on the left of defense all season and continued their policy of signing the best British talent they can find.

This is a clear win for manager Martin Jol who pulled off the signing of this past season in Dimetar Berbatov. "Mr. Ears" is now a Spur.