Kaka
Kaka's time at Real Madrid looks to be at an end. Reuters

Gareth Bale’s protracted and much-discussed move to Real Madrid is almost ready to be signed, sealed and delivered. Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has given the first confirmation that Bale’s exit is now just a matter of time. After an injury was used as a reason for his no-show for Tottenham through much of pre-season, the Welsh attacker has been absent from training this week and his exit appears to have become increasingly acrimonious for all concerned.

"I'm not sure how long it is going to take,” Villas-Boas said, according to Sky Sports. “It can happen very, very soon, it could go to the last day [of the transfer window], it could happen in the next two days.

“He is involved in a big transfer move to Real Madrid and in the end if it happens, we wish him all the best - what he left here was great memories. But the fact that he hasn't turned up is not the correct behavior.”

Real Madrid have also become increasingly frustrated -- by what they see as Tottenham’s delaying tactics.

"I think it will happen but I cannot make any firm promises,” vice president Fernando Fernandez Tapias said, reports Sky Sports.

"We're going to wait because they are dragging their feet. There are a few problems but I hope they will soon be resolved. We thought that he would be with us now but as of the moment, he is not a Real Madrid player although it looks likely that he will join us."

Bale’s arrival, when it does materialize, threatens the place of several current Madrid players. One man, who has long been on the fringes at the Bernabeu, has now decided that ne needs a move. Kaka was briefly the world’s most expensive player when he moved to the Bernabeu in 2009, but, in large part because of injuries, things have not worked out for the Brazilian. The 31-year-old is now keen for a transfer before the transfer deadline.

"I want to leave,” he said, according to Marca. “I think now is the right time for me and the club to part company amicably. I have spoken to Carlo Ancelotti and the club, everyone knows. My father is having talks with the club to find a solution," the Brazilian said.

"Things are difficult for me in the team and the club knows what I want. It is my duty to work and keep on training, but my father is currently trying to see what might come up. Once again, I think this is the best thing for both myself and the club."

Another player who wants out of Madrid, according to widespread reports, is Fabio Coentrao. The left-back was thought likely to be included as a makeweight in the deal for Bale, but that now looks unlikely. He may still join Spurs in a separate deal, however.

Madrid are eager for Coentrao’s future to be resolved, as they have already lined up his replacement in Granada’s Guilherme Siqueira, according to Marca. The story states that if Coentrao secures a permanent transfer before the close of the transfer window then so will Siqueira. While, Coentrao could also leave initially on loan and the Brazilian could join on a similar arrangement.

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