Sport Spanish papers react as Bale nears loan move to re-join Tottenham

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Gareth Bale is on the verge of re-joining Tottenham and the Spanish press couldn't be more happier with the exit of Real Madrid's 'villain'.

The Wales international, 31, agreed a season-long loan earlier this week, with Madrid subsidising at least half of his £500,000 per-week wages.

And he received a hero's welcome from jubilant supporters when he arrived at the club's training ground on Friday, seven years after leaving to join Real Madrid in a then world-record £86million transfer.

Tottenham to place Gareth Bale on intensive training programme

Bale is still suffering from the effects of a minor knee problem he picked up whilst on international duty with Wales earlier this month and will need time to get himself fit for Jose Mourinho's side.Bale is still suffering from the effects of a minor knee problem he picked up on international duty with Wales earlier this month and will need time to get himself fit.

Spanish papers react as Bale nears loan move to re - join Tottenham . Bale travelled to London on Friday to finalise a return to Tottenham on loan after seven years at Real which witnessed a remarkable haul of trophies and goals but ended with the player barely featuring at the end of last

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© Provided by Daily Mail AS' headline read: 'from villain to hero' as Gareth Bale closes in on a move to Tottenham

© Provided by Daily Mail The Real Madrid forward was given a hero's welcome at Spurs' training ground on Friday

The front page of Spanish publication AS displayed one such image of jubilation with a fan taking a picture with the Welshman in his car, and with relief in Madrid that he has been moved on for the next season at least captioned it with the phrase: 'from villain to hero'.

AS also makes reference to the 'superstar' welcome Bale received upon his arrival in London, and claim that Spurs are expected to present the player on Saturday.

However, they also support Marca's claim that he will have to wait for his second Tottenham debut because he is still suffering from a knee injury he picked up on international duty with Wales earlier this month.

Sections of Real Madrid dressing room 'relieved at Bale's departure'

Bale is set to rejoin Tottenham on loan for the season, but his departure wasn't a particularly solemn occasion for much of the Real squad, as reported by AS. The report states that Bale didn't say goodbye personally to all of his Real team-mates as he collected his belongings prior to his return to the Premier League.

THE CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST: Bale is magic! Spanish paper Marca praise Welshman's First to Spain , where most of the country's newspapers react to Real Madrid's 3-0 victory against Borussia AS say that Real have the semi-final in view after goals from Gareth Bale , Isco and Cristiano Ronaldo

Bale reported to Tottenham ’s training ground on Wednesday but did not take part in any work as his Holding his hands up: Bale will only consider moving to Real Madrid at this stage, not On his way: The Spanish media are clearly excited by the potential arrival of the Welsh winger, with sports paper

Marca themselves went with the headline: 'All yours', showing a picture of Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho smiling with Bale.

© Provided by Daily Mail Marca went with the headline: 'All yours' showing a smiling Jose Mourinho with Bale

Above the main headline, the publication adds: 'Bale arrives at Mourinho's Tottenham... and is injured for a month!'

Bale, who was routinely criticised over his questionable fitness record in Madrid, travelled to London on Friday to undergo his medical and Tottenham will be hoping his knee problem will not keep him sidelined for too long.

His Madrid team-mate Sergio Reguilon is also set to finalise his move to Spurs. The club have agreed a £27.5 m deal with a further £4.5 m due in add-ons.

He has signed a five-year deal, with Spurs agreeing to Madrid's demand for a £36.5m buyback clause — a demand Manchester United refused in their pursuit of the player — which can be activated in the next two years.

Bale to Tottenham: A spent force, or more to give?

Using Opta data, we assess whether Gareth Bale really has been in a decline since joining Real Madrid, and just what he can offer Spurs.The flying winger had been sensational in the Premier League for Tottenham and, in his final season in north London, scored 26 goals and provided 11 assists across all competitions.

Spanish newspapers held the Frenchman accountable for his side's exit. Marca's headline read: 'Two gifts and back home', with a picture of Varane reacting to his mistake. Underneath the main headline, the paper wrote: 'A poor Real Madrid performance against in form Manchester City, puts

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© Provided by Daily Mail Bale was criticised for his fitness record in Madrid and has arrived at Tottenham with a knock

As revealed by Sportsmail, the deal for Bale will cost Spurs £13m in wages and does not include an option or obligation to buy him. However, they will have an option to extend the loan for a second year.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is keen to retain an option to bring Bale back to the Bernabeu next summer, despite the player's fall-out with manager Zinedine Zidane.

Perez is wary of Bale rediscovering his best form in England so has left the door open for him to return next season.

Spurs' deals for Bale and Reguilon however were not completed in time for the pair to be involved in Sunday's trip to Southampton.

© Provided by Daily Mail Real Madrid left-back Sergio Reguilon is also set to join Spurs in a permanent transfer