Gareth Bale set for shock Tottenham Hotspur return with Dele Alli going in the opposite direction

Former Spurs star Gareth Bale has been linked with a return to North London with Tottenham Hotspur following his lengthy spell out of favour at Real Madrid. 

The Santiago Bernabeu club could be interested in a swap deal involving England international Dele Alli according to one report.

Gareth Bale is set for a shock return to Tottenham Hotspur, according to reports in the media - and it could be in a swap deal with Dele Alli.

Spurs have long been linked with a move for their former player - currently out of favour at Real Madrid - with Manchester United also thought to be in the race.

But it seems now that Jose Mourinho has edged ahead with a possible loan deal.

And the Telegraph are reporting that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is ready to offer Real a swap deal with Dele Alli.

Zinedine Zidane says Gareth Bale 'preferred not to play' for Real Madrid against Manchester City. It is thought, however, that Spurs are hoping that Real Madrid will be prepared to come to some arrangement with them over Bale's wages - thought to be over £500,000 a week.

Bale has won four Champions League titles with Real, but he has a reputation for uninterestedness as well as poor fitness .

Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett has previously dismissed talk the forward could leave on loan. He has already said that Bale, who has two years left on his contract, was "going nowhere."