Real Madrid was given renewed hope in its pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur winger Gareth Bale yesterday when a Spurs director admitted they cannot hold onto him against his will.

Real manager Carlo Ancelotti said last week that his club was in talks with Tottenham over Bale's transfer but Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas claimed the former Southampton player is not for sale.

However, although club director Keith Mills said Spurs "very much want Bale to stay," he accepted that the London side cannot force the player to remain at White Hart Lane against his wishes.

"If a player is desperate to leave, it's very difficult to force him to stay," Mills told London's Evening Standard newspaper. "We've seen it in other clubs. Even if he has a contract, you can't force somebody to play for you."

Bale, 24, reported for training yesterday morning despite reports in the Spanish media that he would go on strike in a bid to force through a move to the Spanish capital.

The Wales international was driven into Spurs' training complex in Enfield, north London at around 10:30am local time.

Bale missed Spurs' 2-5 friendly loss to Monaco at the weekend due to a foot problem and has not played for the club since a 1-1 draw against Swindon Town on July 16.

He scored 26 goals for Spurs last season and was voted the Professional Football Association Player of the Year, the PFA Young Player of the Year and the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year.

Elsewhere, Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher admitted that he is worried by reports that teammate Wayne Rooney could be about to leave the Premier League champion.

"It's not the type of thing I have asked him. You do worry he might leave because he's a fantastic football player," said the Scottish midfielder. "But we will leave that sort of thing to Wayne and the club. Me personally, I hope he stays because he has been fantastic for Manchester United and a big part of all we have achieved in the last nine, 10 years since I have been in the squad.

"In that respect I hope he stays and we achieve more things together for United."