FORMER Saints defender Gareth Bale has put pen to paper on a new four-year contract with Tottenham.

The 20-year-old left back was awarded the deal after helping Spurs reach next season's Champions League.

Bale moved to White Hart Lane in 2007, after the London side pried him away from St Mary's.

After a difficult start to life at Spurs, Bale has turned in some exceptional performances this season.

As a result, he has been linked with a move to Manchester United, who were also interested when he left St Mary's for White Hart Lane.

But Spurs have moved quickly to tie Bale to the club for the foreseeable future.