Real gets ready for Bale Day

The Santiago Bernabéu is preparing itself for the presentation of its new star player Gareth Bale, which will almost certainly take place next week. In the stadium's VIP box, a stage was being erected yesterday, on which the player will pose with his new white number 11 shirt – the original of many that are already being made by the truck-full.

Real Madrid will open up its doors to its fans so that they may welcome the Welshman, who will go out onto the pitch to strut his stuff as soon as the president's customary speech is over. If the unveilings of Isco, Illarra and Carvajal are anything to go by, first up will be the institutional part of the presentation event and then the more attractive and entertaining part, which the fans will be able to enjoy from the stands.

The club has everything ready for the player's arrival, and all that is left to do is to name the day. The agreement with Tottenham is now complete, and all that is necessary for the most expensive deal to have ever been made to be officially announced is that everyone concerned puts pen to paper. This won't come until Levy winds up other important deals first, especially that of Lamela with Roma.

The medical staff are also on standby, waiting to carry out the pertinent medical checks on the Welsh superstar as soon as he steps foot in Madrid. Bale's first date in Spain will be with his doctors.