Gareth Bale is close to becoming the world's most expensive soccer player after Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas said yesterday the forward's drawn-out transfer to Real Madrid could happen "very, very soon."

The Wales international has until Monday to complete his move to the Spanish capital during the summer transfer window.

But, despite Bale having around three years remaining on his Tottenham contract, the Premier League club is willing to sell its star player after having spent the offseason strengthening the squad in readiness for his exit.

Villas-Boas said Bale's deal is likely to be "the biggest transfer in world football," exceeding the 93 million euros (US$124 million) Madrid paid for Cristiano Ronaldo four years ago.

Willian completes Chelsea move

"At the moment, the two clubs are speaking — Tottenham and Real Madrid — to outline the final decisions or statements of contracts," Villas-Boas said. "I am not sure how much time it will take. It could happen very, very soon.

"But it might not happen so soon, so I suppose it could go to the last days or it could happen in the next two days."

Meanwhile, Brazilian playmaker Willian has sealed a move to Chelsea from Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala after being granted a work permit, the English Premier League club said yesterday.

The 25-year-old signed a five-year deal. Chelsea did not disclose a transfer fee but British media estimated it at 30 million pounds (US$46.62 million).