Real Madrid are chasing yet another youngster - and this time it is Southampton's 17-year-old defender Gareth Bale. The Spanish giants were alerted to the talents of the young Wales left-back, and are currently checking on his availability. Manchester United, Spurs and Arsenal are also in the hunt for the £7million teenager - but Southampton have said he isn't for sale.

Spurs have reportedly tabled a £6m offer which I expect to be rejected. Sir Alex Ferguson is also a big admirer of Bale, and could offload Gabriel Heinze to Real as the Argentinian wants to quit Old Trafford and go there.

Bale made his international debut at the tender age of 16 years and 315 days, making him Wales's youngest international. He set up the winning goal against Trinidad and Tobago and also scored a consolation against in the 5-1 defeat by Slovakia.

A dead-ball specialist, Bale has scored five goals from free-kicks for Southampton, whose manager, George Burley,  said of the teenager: "Going forward, he is second to none. He has exceptional talent but he is certainly not the finished profuct."

With Real already having signed the young Brazilian left back Marcelo, I don't see the point of them going after Bale. Personally, I would prefer him to go to Manchester United if it results in Heinze signing for Real.

Where do you think Gareth Bale's future lies - in the Championship with Southampton, in the Premiership - or abroad? Let us have your comments.