Report: Gareth Bale begins Real Madrid talks

Tottenham Hotspur's Gareth Bale could join Real Madrid at some point in 2013, according to Marca.

The Welsh winger was the cover star of the Spanish sports paper's latest edition, which claims that discussions between the two clubs are at a preliminary stage.

"Initial talks about a deal were held this summer while the two clubs were finalising Luka Modric's move to Madrid," the report said. "Real Madrid enquired about Bale and was told that he wasn't for sale, but that 'Los Blancos' will be given first refusal when the Londoners do listen to offers.

"It is looking likely that this day will come this summer, because Bale has made it clear that he wants to play for a club where he can grow and compete for major trophies.

"Madrid has been keeping close tabs on the 23-year-old for some time now and has been blown away by his development."

Bale, who netted a his first Premier League hat-trick last time out at Aston Villa, and Spurs face Sunderland in today's lunchtime Premier League kickoff.