Gareth Bale Tottenham

Gareth Bale does not need to leave Tottenham to fulfill potential - Andre Villas-Boas

The 23-year-old has been in scintillating form for Tottenham Hotspur this season, scoring 19 goals and single-handedly winning some matches with virtuoso performances.

His displays have triggered speculation that Real Madrid could make a £50million bid for the Welshman this summer, but Villas-Boas has insisted a move to Spain may not be in Bale's best interests.

The Portuguese manager said: "I think for a player to develop to his full potential, it can be [done] perfectly in this league.

"I think Gareth has that in mind, not only regarding Spurs but regarding this league, too.

"We have the best league in the world, in my opinion. The best clubs are continuing to attract the best players over."

Despite being conscious of the widespread interest in Bale, Villas-Boas reiterated that neither he nor the Tottenham board have any intention of cashing in on their star asset.

"We don't want Gareth to go by any circumstances," he added. "I have told you in the past that our chairman is very, very difficult to deal with.

"We will try to hold on to our assets. We believe that we have to hold on to the best players in order to achieve our objectives."