Former Liverpool striker Ian Rush has compared Gareth Bale to Cristiano Ronaldo and feels that his Welsh compatriot will be a success if he moves to Real Madrid.
According to Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas, Bale's move to Madrid is "very close" and the 24-year-old's world record-breaking £86m move to the Spanish giants appears imminent.
Bale's qualities remind Rush of Los Blancos star Ronaldo and he has backed the player to prove himself with the nine-time European champions.
"I think he's quite similar to Ronaldo, but a younger version. He's got pace, he'll score goals from anywhere so hopefully he'll do well," Rush told The Mirror.
"People still want instant success but it might take him a few months to settle down but that's the way the world is now. Hopefully he'll get that time because he's a lovely lad.
"He had an excellent season last year, I think he'll do very well."
Bale failed to attend training on Tuesday.
Paul Gorst
