Harry Redknapp dismisses Gareth Bale rumours

Harry Redknapp has insisted that Gareth Bale will not be leaving Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

The Welsh star has been linked with a move away from White Hart Lane should the club fail to qualify for the Champions League this season.

Reports have suggested that Barcelona are interested in Bale, who has scored 12 goals and 12 assists in all competitions this season.

However, Redknapp said that the 22-year-old is the future of the club and does not think that he is ready for a move abroad.

"He has got a long contract at the club. I don't think he will be going anywhere, he isn't going to find too many better clubs than Tottenham," said the 65-year-old.

"I don't think he is a boy to go abroad at the moment. The first opportunity he gets he goes home to his family in Wales so I don't think he is a boy who would be suited to go abroad at this stage of his career.

"I think this is a great club for him to be at and you can't be letting Gareth Bale go, he is the future of the club."

Bale moved to Spurs from Southampton for £6m in 2007.