Transfer news: Gareth Bale 'will reject Real Madrid' to stay with family - but development could encourage Manchester United

The Tottenham forward is not inclined to leave the country after recently becoming a father

Gareth Bale (GETTY IMAGES)

Gareth Bale will reject a move to Real Madrid because he does not want to leave his family.

The Evening Standard report that a 'close associate' of the Wales international has told them Bale is not interested in a move to Spain - at least this summer - because of the strong ties to his family.

This week, reports in Spain emerged that suggested Bale was on the verge of a move to Real Madrid, with Marca, the mouthpiece of the Bernabeu based club, going as far as to say he has already agreed a six-year deal.

However, Tottenham have denied that is the case and are determined to hold on to the forward.

They will be buoyed by the latest development in one of the summer's biggest transfer stories - although may fear it will offer encouragement to Manchester United who are also interested in signing the 24-year-old.

Bale became a father for the first time last October and is believed to be happy living in the capital with his long-term girlfriend Emma Rhys-Jones. While a move to Spain may be out of the question - a move to Manchester could be more palatable.

He has admitted in the past that he likes to visit his family back in Wales whenever he gets time off.

Marca today reiterated their confidence Bale will move to Real Madrid, pointing out the forward was not picked to play in the pre-season friendly defeat to Sunderland in Hong Kong.

However, his absence was due to sustaining a strained buttock in training last week and coach Andre Villas-Boas did not want to risk him.