Gareth Bale’s world-record transfer to Real Madrid was hanging in the balance after the wantaway Tottenham star skipped training yesterday.

Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas expected Bale to report to the club’s training ground in Enfield, but the 24-year-old did not show.

The Welshman has always reported to the Hertfordshire base for treatment on his supposed foot injury ever since it stopped him from playing for the north London club. But the forward did not turn up yesterday morning and no explanation has been given as to why.

A Spurs source said there was “no issue” with Bale not turning up, and insisted that the player remained in touch with Villas-Boas about his training regime.

And Bale’s camp tried to play down the suggestion that the triple player of the year had become “furious and frustrated’’ with Tottenham’s handling of his proposed transfer to Real.

Bale’s absence does not mean he is closer to a move to Madrid, despite reports in the Spanish media that the former Southampton winger could seal his move to Real today.

Tottenham insist they will not sell Bale until they have signed at least one more player to replace him.

Talks in London are ongoing with Roma over the possible transfer of midfielder Erik Lamela, but Villas-Boas’s hopes of being reunited with Zenit St Petersburg forward Hulk look set to be dashed after the club’s manager Luciano Spalletti said the Brazilian was not for sale.

Real’s hand has been weakened over the course of the last week thanks to their antics. Villas-Boas was annoyed with Real after they made their pursuit of the player public, and it is understood that Daniel Levy has become further dismayed with the Spanish club over the last few days.

The Spurs chairman has not taken kindly to the idea that Real started selling replica shirts with Bale’s name on the back, and their decision to erect a stand at the Bernabeu from which they planned to unveil their latest Galactico.

Although Bale has his heart set on a move to Real, it emerged on Monday that Tottenham are considering at least one more offer for the player.

Manchester United have enquired about Bale’s availability in the past, but manager David Moyes denied they had renewed their interest in the player.

But having not yet made a major signing since taking over at United, Moyes cryptically mentioned that he was still on the lookout for new players.