£30m Premier League rival thinks Tottenham are making ‘outstanding’ signing

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Gareth Bale’s impending return to Tottenham has Michael Keane breathing a sigh of relief after Everton ticked off their annual trip to Spurs on Sunday, speaking to talkSPORT (17 September, 10am).

After years of ceaseless, often baseless, speculation, a transfer that has been discussed and deliberated for what seems like forever appears to have been all but wrapped up in a matter of days.

However, it remains to be seen whether a return to familiar surroundings will see Bale rediscover the electrifying form that made him the most expensive footballer in history and a four-time Champions League winner at Real Madrid.

After two seasons wasted on the Bernabau bench, he looked a fading shadow of his once unstoppable self during Wales’ Nations League clashes with Finland and Bulgaria earlier this month.

But, one thing’s for sure, Keane can sleep a little easier with Everton already making the trip to the white-clad corner of the English capital.

“I’m glad we’ve already played Tottenham if he’s coming back!” says the £30 million England international, whose commanding performance helped the Toffees beat Jose Mourinho’s side 1-0 away on Sunday.

“It will be great to have him back in the Premier League.

“He’s had a tough few years but he’s been outstanding. The things he’s achieved are brilliant. Hopefully we’ll see him in the Premier League again.”

The phrase ‘never go back’ springs to mind with Bale’s return potentially hours away.

And, at the age of 31 and with just 12 La Liga starts under his belt last term, the seldom-seen superstar seems like a fading force.

It could take weeks or months for the Madrid misfit to get back to his best if, indeed, he’s still capable of dominating games at the top level after so many injuries and false starts (Sky). Keane, for one though, is keen to avoid Bale for now.