Bale has seen his stock rise incredibly after a series of fine performances this season, the highlight of which was in the Londoners' 3-1 victory over Inter Milan when the Wales midfielder completely outclassed the man regarded by many as the best right-back in the world - Brazil's Maicon.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini predicted yesterday that Bale would be the subject of a series of bids from Europe's giants although Harry Redknapp moved quickly to quash such speculation by insisting that his prize asset was not for sale.

After guiding the club into the Champions League last season, Ardiles believes Redknapp stands on the brink of greatness with his team and he is convinced that Spurs now rank among the elite clubs in European football.

That, the Argentine insists, will be enough to persuade Bale to stay and not seek pastures new like star striker Dimitar Berbatov did when he left White Hart Lane for Manchester United in 2008.

"There is no doubt that Bale will be targeted this summer. All the best teams in the world will be after him," said Ardiles, who was at White Hart Lane yesterday to launch the Sportingbet Spurs Zone.

"Players in the past like Berbatov had to leave because they wanted to play in the Champions League. He left because we couldn't give him that platform, but now we can.

"Last year he was good but this season Gareth has been even better. He has been outstanding.

"He is the best player in his position in the world."

Ardiles played for Tottenham over 300 times during arguably the club's greatest ever period in the early 80s when Spurs won two FA Cups and one UEFA Cup.

Ardiles believes that Tottenham's current squad have the ability to achieve those heights under Redknapp, although the former midfielder feels the Football Association will come calling for the former Portsmouth boss after Euro 2012.

"I can't see anyone who is more qualified for the England job than Harry," Ardiles said.

"He has transformed Spurs since he came here.

"Fans always look back to the days of '84 but everyone is talking about Harry's team in the same breath now.

"He has turned Spurs into a club that is capable of beating the likes of Inter Milan and AC Milan."

A true test of Tottenham's credentials will come on Sunday when they hope to cut the eight-point gap between themselves and Premier League leaders Manchester United with a win at White Hart Lane.

Spurs lost 2-0 in the reverse fixture last October but Ardiles reckons Redknapp's team stand a good chance of toppling Sir Alex Ferguson's side and even maintains his former club can go on to win the title this year.

"I think we will go into the match as favourites," Ardiles said.

"In the past when we have come up against teams like Manchester United we haven't beaten them because we didn't have the belief but now we have. I think we will win it.

"Spurs are getting better and better as a team and there is no reason why we cannot win the league."

Former Red Devil David Beckham is currently training with Spurs and is keen to turn out for the club before returning to the United States next month.

Ardiles admits having the former England captain around will help but concedes he will struggle to get into Redknapp's first XI.

"Everyone is saying that his arrival will only create a hullabaloo but I really think it is a good move for the club," Ardiles said.

"It would be nice to see him play in a Spurs shirt but it would be difficult to see where he would fit in. It will be hard for him to get Aaron Lennon out of the team."

:: Ossie Ardiles returned to White Hart Lane for the launch of the Sportingbet Spurs Zone, a new club website giving fans exclusive access that will place them at the heart of all the action at Spurs. Visit www.spurszone.co.uk to choose how you want to get closer to the club you love.