Tottenham's Andre Villas-Boas cools Barcelona talk and reiterates Gareth Bale stance

Posted Saturday, July 20, 2013 by skysports.com

Andre Villas-Boas: Forthright on Barcelona and Bale speculation

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has cooled talk about the vacant Barcelona job and insisted Gareth Bale is not for sale at any price.

Villas-Boas emerged as a contender to replace Tito Vilanova at the Nou Camp just hours after the 44-year-old was forced to step down as head coach to continue his treatment for cancer.

But despite being among the bookies' favourites for the Nou Camp job, the Portugese boss gave short shrift to questions about his future.

"It's a difficult situation," Villas-Boas told Sky Sports News, speaking after Spurs' goalless pre-season friendly draw at Colchester.

"At this time, all my wishes are with Tito. If he has to resign over illness, it's not the time to speak about speculation.

"We're speaking about a person's health, it's not even a question."

Bale's position at White Hart Lane continues to be scrutinised, with Real Madrid and Manchester United known admirers, but Villas-Boas said the club had not received an offer for its talisman - and nor would consider one.

"No offers, no," he added. "Bale is not for sale at any price."

Bale, along with Clint Dempsey and Aaron Lennon, missed Friday's trip to the Weston Homes Community Stadium as a precaution but their manager revealed knocks would not rule them out of next week's trip to Hong Kong.

Brad Friedel, Jan Vertonghen and Emmanuel Adebayor were all included in a strong starting line-up but the Premier League side failed to find a way through.