Gareth Bale Joins Real Madrid in £85m World Record Deal

Real Madrid have confirmed the world-record signing of Gareth Bale ending a transfer saga that has been drawn out for much of the summer.

The Spanish club finally announced the move on their website describing Bale as 'the best footballer in the Premier League last season'.

It brings to end protracted negotiations in a week which the Welsh winger had missed training as the two clubs seemed to struggle to reach an agreement.

It is understood that deal is worth €100m (£85.3m) and will see Bale sign a six-year deal at the club.

Subject to the 24-year-old passing a medical, he will be presented as a new player at the Bernabeu at 12pm UK time.

The announcement came shortly after Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas had admitted in a post-match press conference that Bale had joined the Spanish giants.

Speaking after his side's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, Villas-Boas said: "He is going to join Real Madrid so we wish him all the best.

"He is an absolutely wonderful player.

"He has left us with some great memories from last season which every Tottenham fan cherishes, but he has moved on and we will move on as well."