Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas says the club is in talks with star player Gareth Bale over a new contract, as it tries to fend off an approach from Real Madrid.

After scoring 26 goals last season, the 24-year-old Bale has been heavily linked with a move away from Spurs, with Madrid repeatedly expressing interest in the Welsh winger.

Bale signed a new four-year-contract in June 2012 and his departure would be a huge blow to Tottenham's attempt to qualify for the Champions League.

Villas-Boas says "talks are ongoing but that doesn't mean there is an agreement. ... It's something that we're speaking about, but there aren't any developments."