Villas-Boas will be surprised if Bale is sold

Welshman Bale was named Footballer of the Year by England's soccer writers on Thursday after being picking up the PFA Young Player and Player of the Year last weekend and he is regularly linked with Europe's top clubs.

Tottenham's determination to keep a player who has scored 24 goals in all competitions this season will be severely tested if they fail in their bid for Champions League qualification, but Villas-Boas says he has received assurances that the winger's future is not dependent on a top-four finish.

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