Gareth Bale was born to play for Real Madrid, claims president Florentino Perez Bale, though, still has three years left on his contract and will be offered a further pay rise this summer. This could be funded by the likely release of both William Gallas and David Bentley, while it is also understood that the club will listen to offers for Emmanuel Adebayor, Tom Huddlestone and Benoît Assou-Ekotto. Even if Bale does not sign a new deal, Tottenham's stance is that he is not for sale and that they have "every intention" of keeping him. It is a familiar tactic in Spain for the leading clubs to begin their campaigns for major signings with plenty of admiring words in public and there was an added endorsement yesterday from Fernando Sanz, the former Real Madrid defender. "The world now has two football players to rival Messi and Ronaldo," said Sanz. One is Neymar, and the other is Gareth Bale. For marketing I think Neymar is No 1. But playing football for me, it's Bale. He is maybe not as well known, but he's an incredible player. He's made to play for Real Madrid. He can do anything and like Ronaldo he can play anywhere, so he has all the qualities to play for a club like Madrid. There has been no formal bid from Real Madrid and it is understood that Tottenham even previously received a letter from the Spanish club which pledged that there would be no offer this summer. Bale has never agitated to leave Tottenham, although earlier this week his agent, Jonathan Barnett, said on Spanish television that they would be willing to "listen" to Real. Although Carlo Ancelotti is the favourite to take over as Real Madrid manager, Jupp Heynckes - who is being replaced at Bayern Munich despite winning the Bundesliga and Champions League - has also been contacted. "Ancelotti cannot say he has an offer from Real Madrid because he has not - there are more coaches than him," said Pérez.