Tottenham have moved decisively ahead of Manchester United in the race to sign Southampton whizzkid Gareth Bale, according to reports in Thursday's national newspapers.

Bale appeared to be set on a move to Old Trafford, but his head has been turned after two days of talks at White Hart Lane.

Bale has reportedly been promised regular first-team football at Tottenham next season, and a long-term contract on a sliding pay scale.

Southampton are thought to have accepted Tottenham's £10million bid for the highly-rated Wales left-back, with Bale set to be loaned back to the Saints for the rest of the season.

Manchester United remain hopeful of landing the youngster, with Sir Alex Ferguson set to watch Bale against Manchester City in the FA Cup this weekend. But the Red Devils have yet to come back to Southampton with an improved offer after having an £8milllion bid knocked back.

Matthew Le Tissier, Southampton's last free-kick specialist, feels Bale should continue to learn his trade at St Mary's rather than bench-warming at a bigger club.

"I would advise Gareth to stay for the benefit of his career," said Le Tissier.

"Gareth is an amazing talent and, of course, bigger clubs are interested in him. But look at Theo Walcott.

"He's getting the odd run-out but he's not playing week-in, week-out, and at that age you need games to continue your learning curve.

"Gareth is playing every week in a hard league and he should continue to do so to add to his football education."

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