The Sunday Mirror reports that Real Madrid are targeting both Gareth Bale and his White Hart Lane boss Andre Villas-Boas this summer.
Bale has been in scintillating form this season and Real see him as the ideal replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, if the Portuguese superstar decides to leave the Bernabéu.
If Real Madrid win the Champions League, then it is thought that Ronaldo will be ready to leave with a return to his former side Man Utd his most likely destination.
Real boss, José Mourinho is also considering a move away. He will consider his options in the summer, and will have offers from several European clubs if he does announce he is leaving.
The Madrid hierarchy are planning for every possible scenario and are looking at potential replacements for both men.
Real board like AVB
They are thought to admire AVB and see him as a potential replacement for Mourinho. Villas-Boas enjoyed great success with Porto, winning the Portuguese title and the Europa League before he left to join Chelsea.
The rookie coach suffered a tough time at Stamford Bridge but has rebuilt his reputation impressively across London at White Hart Lane.
He will consider himself a success at Spurs if they can finish in the top four and may want to get out while his stock is high in order to progress his career. Afterall, an offer to manage Real Madrid doesn’t come along everyday.
Spurs in position to play hardball
However, Spurs have both Bale and Villas-Boas on long term contracts and only have to do business on their terms.
Regardless of whether or not they qualify for next season’s Champions League, the loss of their boss and star player to a superior European club would be a major setback.
They won’t be willing to give up their prize assets without a fight. If Madrid were successful in landing both Bale and Villas-Boas, it would be a massive blow to the club’s reputation.
It would make it difficult for the club to sell themselves as anything more than a stepping stone to a bigger European club, to potential players and managers.
As the side try to progress into regular Champions League campaigners, it is the last message they want to send out.