PRIZE asset Gareth Bale WILL remain a Saint until the end of the season.

The Daily Echo understands that the 17-year-old left back will turn down a £10m move to Tottenham in favour of staying at St Mary's until the end of the campaign.

He will then spark a summer transfer battle for his services between Manchester United and Arsenal.

Spurs are believed to have agreed in principle a deal with Saints that would be firmed up if Welsh international sensation Bale decided to join the Londoners this month.

However, barring a last-minute change of heart, that will not happen.

The only danger for Saints before the transfer window closes at midnight tonight would be if Manchester United came back with an increased bid on the £8m offer they had turned down at the beginning of the month.

It is thought Bale would prefer to move to Old Trafford and the chance to learn under Welsh international colleague Ryan Giggs in the same way that Theo Walcott was hungry to join up with his idol, Thierry Henry.

The most likely scenario, though, is that Bale will turn down Spurs and be the subject of a tug-of-war between United and Arsenal in the summer.

The news will come as a boost to George Burley fans ahead of a vital few days where Saints face Sheffield Wednesday tonight and Derby at St Mary's.

Saints can move up to fourth in the Championship if they beat the Owls and West Brom fail to beat Plymouth.

Full story: See today's Daily Echo