Tottenham Hotspur chiefs 'question Gareth Bale's work rate'

Members of the Tottenham Hotspur board are reportedly growing increasingly concerned by Gareth Bale's form this campaign.

The Welshman joined on a season-long loan deal from Real Madrid last summer, and the London club are paying just over a third of the winger's £600,000-a-week wages.

Despite leading the way at the top of the table in mid-December, Jose Mourinho's side have since suffered a decline in form which has dropped them down to eighth, seven points behind the top four.

Tottenham have recently been missing talisman Harry Kane up front but in his absence, Mourinho has opted to play the likes of Carlos Vinicius, Erik Lamela and Lucas Moura in attack, with Bale watching on from the substitutes bench.

The Daily Mail reports that Spurs chiefs were disappointed by the 31-year-old's work rate during the 1-0 loss away to Brighton and Hove Albion last week.

Bale has made 15 appearances in all competitions so far this campaign, with only eight of those from the start, scoring just four times.