Unsettled Bale too pricey for Barca

Gareth Bale has been priced out of Barcelona’s reach by Tottenham Hotspur, according to the players’ agent.

Bale, 22, has been tipped to leave Spurs in the close season following the north London club’s exclusion from the 2012/13 Champions League.

The Wales international’s future at the club was cast further into doubt by the sacking of manager Harry Redknapp on Wednesday.

According to Bale’s agent, Jonathan Barnett, the absence of elite European football from White Hart Lane next term could push his client toward the exit.

“Yes, it is clear that this is a problem,” Barnett told Catalan newspaper Sport.

Barca have been touted as a potential destination for the exciting wide player, but Spurs’ reported asking price of 40 million pounds is likely to prove a major hurdle.

“I think it’s too expensive for the club,” Barnett said.

“To my knowledge, (Barcelona) has not made any offer for him.”

However, Barnett did suggest a deal could be struck if the Catalan giants and Tottenham are willing to negotiate.

“If interested, they would have to put money on the table and then start talking,” he said.

“But it seems that the club is working on the signing of Jordi Alba, a cheaper option.

“The big European clubs already know how much it would take to do the operation (transfer) and therefore if you are interested you know what kind of offer … to put on the table.”