THERE IS NOT ENOUGH MONEY IN FOOTBALL TO BUY "LEO MESSI", IF "BALE" DESERVES £100M : XAVI HERNANDEZ.

Barcelona midfielder Xavi 'not sure' whether Gareth Bale is worth the millions Real Madrid are prepared to spend

Gareth Bale's potential world record move to Real Madrid has caught the attention of the world – including Spain’s top players, writes Dean Jones of the Sunday People .

And according to Barcelona’s Xavi, a price tag for the Spurs man that could top £100million raises the question of what Lionel Messi would be worth.

Xavi sees the brilliant Argentinian every day in training, and said: “There have been some big transfer fees paid already this summer – and now talk of £100m for Gareth Bale.

“I’m sure he’s a good player – but when you’re talking about £100m for players like that then there can’t be enough money in football to buy Leo.”

Madrid’s Sergio Ramos is taken aback, too, but mainly because he cannot believe how much hype has surrounded the deal. “Players don’t care about transfer fees – that’s the business of the clubs,” said Ramos. “I don’t think Gareth will feel any pressure at all because of the fee involved.

“Zinedine Zidane arrived as the most expensive player in the world and achieved great things. Cristiano Ronaldo arrived as the most expensive player in the world and has gone on to be the best player in the world over the last three seasons.

“Players don’t care about fees, they just want to get on with playing for Real Madrid.

“If in five years’ time Gareth has helped the club achieve success in both Spain and in Europe then nobody will even talk about the fee any more.”

Bernabeu keeper Iker Casillas added: “Playing at Real Madrid makes even the best players better players.

“There’s no doubt Real Madrid would take even Gareth to another level – and maybe even on to become the best player in the world.”