Bale, 24, has been linked with a switch to Real throughout the transfer window after a spectacular season in the Premier League, which saw the winger net 26 goals in all competitions. 

And the Wales international now finally appears set to secure his long-awaited switch to the Bernabeu, after Villas-Boas confirmed that the two clubs are in advanced talks over a transfer that will break the world record.

"At the moment the two clubs are speaking. I'm not sure how much time it is going to take. It can happen very soon, it might not happen so soon," the Tottenham manager said.

"I suppose it could go to the last day or it could happen in next two days. But you wouldn't expect the biggest transfer in world football to happen easily."

Despite admitting that Bale is close to a big-money move to the Spanish capital, Villas-Boas suggested that the Welshman could be fined over his failure to turn up to training this week.

"I gave the player the weekend off, Monday was a day off for the squad," he added. "Obviously he is involved in a big transfer move to Real Madrid. In the end if it happens we wish him all the best.

"He will leave us here with great memories. The fact that he hasn't turned up, I don't know if it is the correct behaviour, in the end it is pressure and a statement from the player.

"Now it is up to the club to decide if it is a fineable offence."

The transfer fee is anticipated to smash the existing world record, set by Real Madrid in 2009 when they paid Manchester United €92million for the services of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Bale's form in 2012-13 saw him complete a clean sweep of the PFA awards, as he won the Players' Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year.

Bale joined Tottenham in 2007 from Southampton for a reported fee of £7m.