Mark Hughes: Gareth Bale not ready for Barcelona

Mark Hughes believes that Gareth Bale should delay a potential move to Barcelona until later in his career.

The Tottenham Hotspur winger has been linked with a transfer to the Spanish giants and has admitted that a switch to Catalonia would be difficult to turn down.

However, Hughes, who made the move to the Nou Camp from Manchester United at the age of 24, has urged his 22-year-old Welsh compatriot to stay at Spurs for the time being.

"He is still a young man - I think he still has a lot to achieve in the Premier League and I'm sure he is enjoying his football and his life in the Premier League at the moment. He has a huge profile and has no reason to go so young," said the Queens Park Rangers boss.

"He is playing at a good club that are challenging for honours. I think when he is asked the question he answers it honestly and says that in the future that is what he might like to do but I don't think he is anticipating moving any time soon.

"I went when I was young and it was probably a little bit too soon for me. Ideally if I had had the opportunity later I would have been more successful than I was. I think there is time for Gareth in the future if he thinks that is what he wants to do."

Bale has scored 12 goals in 37 appearances for Spurs this season.