Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has insisted that Gareth Bale will not be leaving the Premier League club.

The Welsh winger has been strongly linked with a move away from London in recent times, after rumours have circulated that Spurs can no longer match his ambitions.

Real Madrid, with whom the club have an official link, are believed to be highly interested, whilst La Liga rivals Barcelona have also been mooted as a possible destination.

However, following Bale’s match winning performance against Liverpool on Wednesday, Villas-Boas dismissed rumours that his star man could leave the club:

"Like all of our key players, Gareth is on a long-term contract as we continue to build for the future and his progression will be of benefit to our team.” He told the club’s website.

"He is an important part of our future and we have no intention of letting any of our top players go."

Bale is under contract at White Hart Lane until 2016, but has previously stated his desire to play abroad at some stage of his career.

The 23-year-old began his career with Southampton, shooting to fame as a full-back.

His rampaging performances tempted Spurs to complete a £7m deal for his services in 2007.