Gareth Bale's future is in turmoil after it emerged the forward is reluctant to risk his relationship with Tottenham fans by handing in a transfer request, the Daily Mail reports.

Bale has his heart set on a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid and told chairman Daniel Levy he wants to leave during crisis talks in Hong Kong at the Barclays Asia Trophy last weekend.

Now Real sporting director Zinedine Zidane has tried to hurry things along, insisting a move to Madrid is an opportunity that may only come up once in a player's career.

Bale could accelerate the move with a formal, written transfer request but the £85million target knows it could ruin his relationship with fans at White Hart Lane.

The PFA player of the year and FWA footballer of the year wants them to understand the reasons behind his desire to join the world's biggest football club.

Spurs have been stunned by the change in Bale, 24, since Real stepped up their pursuit of the most wanted man in football last week.