Bale wins his Spurs

Tottenham have confirmed the signing of Wales left-back Gareth Bale from Southampton for an undisclosed fee.

The 17-year-old was close to joining Spurs during the last transfer window but stayed at St Mary's and helped George Burley's side into the Championship play-offs.

Manchester United had expressed an interest in the Wales teenager in January, with boss Sir Alex Ferguson admitting Spurs were ahead of them in the race to him.

Although Bale has been linked with United, and also Arsenal, since Southampton's promotion hopes ended, Spurs have moved quickly following the completion of the season as they did a year ago when signing Dimitar Berbatov.

"I want to play in the Premiership, Tottenham is a club pushing forward and I want to be part of its future," said Bale.

Bale put himself in the spotlight at the start of the season with a stunning free-kick against Derby, followed up with another set-piece against Coventry three days later.

He is the youngest player to be capped by Wales and despite being deployed at full-back so far in his fledgling career, has been tipped to emulate Ryan Giggs if he is developed into a winger.