Chris Hughton "surprised" by Andre Villas-Boas's Gareth Bale comments

Norwich City manager Chris Hughton has admitted that he is "surprised" to hear Tottenham Hotspur boss Andre Villas-Boas complain about the Canaries' treatment of Gareth Bale.

The former Chelsea boss has called on match officials to protect the Wales international after he was almost the victim of a lunging tackle from Alex Tettey during last night's 1-1 draw with Norwich.

"I'm surprised by [Villas-Boas's comments]," ESPN quotes Hughton as saying. "There didn't seem to be much wrong with [Bale] as he went past everyone."

Meanwhile, the Canaries are expecting to complete a deal for Leeds United striker Luciano Becchio before tonight's deadline.