Bale deal caused 'intense' pressure for AVB

The Welsh attacker eventually swapped White Hart Lane for the Santiago Bernabeu a day before the transfer window closed in a world-record move reportedly worth €100million.

Villas-Boas, 35, has been able to strengthen his squad heavily as a result, with seven players arriving at Spurs - three of whom for club-record sums.

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1