Villas-Boas: Tottenham counting on Bale, Soldado is a great striker

Spurs boss Andre Villas Boas has reiterated the club’s determination to keep hold of Gareth Bale, saying the club is counting on him.

Speaking from Hong Kong ahead of the Premier League Asia Trophy, he said: “I don’t want to become repetitive after what I have been telling you last season and what I have been telling you this season. I cannot extend myself.

“The player is a player that we are willing to continue to have. He is a Tottenham player and one of the most fantastic players in the world at the moment.

“We are counting on him for the future.”

The Portuguese manager also talked up his club’s interest in Valencia striker Roberto Soldado.

Reports suggest that negotiations between the two clubs over the transfer fee are holding up the deal.

But it appears Villas Boas is keen to have the Spain international at White Hart Lane.

He said: “You know, it is no secret that we have been looking for a striker to strengthen our squad, to have more strength in depth.

“Roberto is one of the players that we have been following. His pedigree speaks for itself.

“I think he is a great striker but there isn’t any deal being struck at the moment, just interest and conversations”