£85M? Go on then. I dare you.

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Zidane is at it again. This time telling Bale to fast-track his move by handing in a transfer request. Classy lot the White Storm.

Madrid's tactics retain their transparency. At the moment, it's all hot air, sound-bites and tapping up. There is the threat and the promise of a £85M bid. The continued rhetoric that Bale is worth the potential fee. They've also got the likes of Luka Modric piping up so we are treated to full surround sound in every sporting media outlet.  

Spurs and Bale remain quiet. The fact that all we have is Madrid and their megaphone would suggest they are only seeking to pressure, trick and incite a reaction from THFC and the player himself. They are trying to manipulate that potential fee, drive it down. If the player wanted to leave and handed in a transfer request they'd be able to work the deal with far more comfort and control. The alternative is to bid £85M.

If they had the money or thought the player was worth the money they would bid.

In fact, a bid of £85M (ridiculous) would be the one guaranteed way to sign him. If they made an official approach it would probably be considered. Fact is, they haven't. Why? Because they don't want to spend that amount of money. They want to spend half of that amount if that. So onwards with their propaganda and hype.

Why Spurs have yet to react is a mystery. Either we don't want to add credence to their lusting or they are waiting to see what transpires, say if the words turn into a phone conversation with our chairman. Or maybe Spurs and Bale are working towards an improved contract which wont be signed and shared until it's possible to do so (I can remember being informed that Bale can't sign an improvement until a certain point in the calender).

All of this does once again makes a mockery of the whole 'special relationship' we have/don't have with them. We clearly don't have anything aside from each others contact number and fax machine details (which are gathering dust). It's beyond desperation from supposedly the biggest club in world football. But these bullying tactics have worked before and always go unpunished.

Levy loves an open letter. That doesn't appear to be forthcoming. But then why should it be? Andre Villas-Boas has said he's had assurances that Bale won't be leaving this summer. The player has been positive about both coach and club. But these are also just words, of a far more gentle nature.

I guess there is the conspiracy theory element to this tiresome saga. Levy isn't saying anything just in case there is a ridiculous bid. Bale isn't saying anything to avoid committing one way or the other. All Madrid can do is keep talking and hoping.

As for us, the supporters? We're also left hoping. Hoping for someone to slap their mouths shut once and for all.