Updated

Tottenham Hotspur winger Gareth Bale has refused to comment after being quizzed by reporters over speculation linking him with a record-breaking transfer to Real Madrid.

The 24-year-old is reportedly on the brink of a move to the nine-time champions for a fee that could eclipse the ??80 million ($123.6 million, 93.2 million euros) that Madrid paid Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009.

Several Spanish television crews and photographers watched Bale train with Wales in Newport on Monday, but when asked to speak about the reports, he replied: "I'm really sorry, now's not the time to talk."

Bale has not played for Spurs for over a month due to buttock and foot injuries and has been ruled out of Wales' friendly against the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday due to his foot problem.

However, he is expected to attend the match at the Cardiff City Stadium.