ARSENE Wenger has admitted he would have slapped in a bid for Gareth Bale - had he been handed a bumper transfer market kitty this month.

''A player like Bale would have interested us,'' the Arsenal manager said.

''But when you already have two left-backs, why should you spend £10million on another one?'' Spurs lead the chase for the Saints starlet ahead of the window slamming shut on Wednesday night - the same day that Saints host Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship.

White Hart Lane boss Martin Jol has so far kept tight-lipped about whether he has bid £10m for Bale.

''He is someone who is on any manager's mind in the Premiership,'' said Jol of the Wales left-back.

''He is certainly a very good prospect."