From the Back Pages, August 1: Bale’s replacement lined up if he goes

Bale reported for pre-season training this morning but has told the Tottenham hierarchy that he still wants to join Madrid. And Spurs’ technical director Franco Baldini is already casting his eye around for a replacement for the winger, with reports in Italy suggesting that Lamela is top of his list. Daily Express

Arsenal’s mighty wallet of theoretical spending money has reportedly survived another scare - it looks like the Brazil winger Bernard could be going to the Ukraine instead of the Emirates. Bad news for Tottenham and Liverpool too - both clubs were reckoned to be sniffing around the South American phenomenon after he broke into the Brazil team last year with a wand in his foot and the sun in his hair. Daily Mirror

ZINEDINE ZIDANE has told Tottenham: Don’t deny Gareth Bale the chance to fulfil his Real Madrid dream. The Spanish giants are ready to smash the £80m transfer world record to land the Spurs star. Bale wants to talk to Madrid, who are likely to have to stump up an incredible £100m to convince Spurs chairman Daniel Levy to do business. Real director of football Zidane said: “It is not unusual, when a player knows that Real Madrid are interested in them, that they get excited. Daily Star