LONDON (AFP) - Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas says he does not expect Gareth Bale to make a farewell appearance at White Hart Lane before completing his anticipated transfer to Real Madrid.

Bale is reportedly close to joining Madrid for a world-record fee that could exceed £85 million (S$168 million), with the Spanish giants having erected a stage at the Estadio Bernabeu in apparent preparation for his presentation to the club's fans.

Due to injury, the 24-year-old Welsh forward has not played for Spurs since a friendly appearance in mid-July, but Villas-Boas does not think he will be present to say goodbye to the club's supporters during Sunday's home game with Swansea City.

"We have no rules or obligation for players not selected to be on the bench or in the stadium, so I don't expect Gareth to be seen at the club," Villas-Boas said.

Chelsea are thought to have hijacked Villas-Boas' bid to sign Brazilian playmaker Willian from Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala, but Spurs are reportedly in talks with Roma over a move for Argentine attacking midfielder Erik Lamela.