Real Madrid edged a giant step closer to securing the transfer of Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Gareth Bale today by agreeing personal terms with the Welshman, according to the BBC.

BBC chief sports correspondent Dan Roan said:

“While discussions in Madrid have taken some days, it’s important to stress this was always a formality.

“The agreement over personal terms has no bearing on the timing of the actual transfer being announced.

“The conclusion of the talks over personal terms [are] separate from negotiations between Real Madrid and Spurs regarding the amount and structuring of a transfer fee.

“All that remains now is for Spurs to formally accept Real Madrid’s offer and to agree on simultaneous announcements.”

Real Madrid have bid £86million for Bale, but Tottenham Hotspur have yet to make a decision. Spurs have also received an offer of £70million that would be one up-front payment instead of the £86million that would be spread over four years.