Bale ends speculation with new deal

Gareth Bale has signed a new four-year contract at Tottenham, the Barclays Premier League club have announced.

Gareth Bale

The Wales winger has committed himself to White Hart Lane until 2016, ending speculation over his future amid interest from rival clubs at home and abroad.

"The club is progressing and I want to be a part of that, so it was great to get the deal done," Bale told Tottenham's official website, www.tottenhamhotspur.com.

Barcelona and Real Madrid were among the clubs linked with Bale, who is willing to remain at Tottenham despite their failure to qualify for the Champions League.

Spurs finished fourth in the Premier League last season but missed out on Europe's top club competition after Chelsea won the trophy.

Bale, 22, is determined to help bring Champions League football back to White Hart Lane.

"I've been here for five years now and I've enjoyed every minute," he said.

"The fans have been great to me and I'd love to re-pay them and do the very best for them.

"The club is progressing and I want to be a part of that, so it was great to get the deal done.

"I love the club and the fans and I want to play my part in trying to get us back into the Champions League - where we belong.

"We have a good, young squad and we need to work together to get back on the biggest stage."

Bale has featured in the PFA Premier League team of the year for the past two seasons and in last year's UEFA team of the year.

The £7million signing from Southampton has scored 29 goals in 160 appearances for Tottenham and rose to prominence in the 2009-2010 season, when he helped secure their Champions League debut.

Bale's decision to stay is a significant coup for Spurs, who are in a state of flux following the departure of manager Harry Redknapp last week.

Former Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas is reportedly close to succeeding Redknapp after edging France coach Laurent Blanc for the post.

A pressing concern for the new manager will be resolving the future of Luka Modric, who has been strongly linked with a transfer to Real Madrid.