Gareth Bale is being scrutinised by Barcelona scouts amid reports Josep Guardiola is preparing a £35 million bid for the Welshman.

The Catalan giants' chief scout, Albert Valentine, was present at Spurs' 3-1 over Fulham on Sunday.

Winger Bale scored during the encounter and also had a hand in Aaron Lennon's goal, although Barca are understood to have a more defensive role in mind for the 22-year-old.

The Welshman is considered a solution for Barcelona's left-back position, currently occupied by Frenchman Eric Abidal and Brazilian Adriano, who are considered weak links in the Spanish side.

However, Guardiola can expect a tough fight to sign Bale from Tottenham, who stood their ground in Chelsea's pursuit of highly rated playmaker Luka Modric during the summer.

Despite very public objections by the Croatian, chairman Daniel Levy refused to sell the midfielder, despite talks of a bid of up to £40 million being tabled.

Bale is contracted to remain at White Hart Lane until 2015 where he has flourished under the stewardship of Harry Redknapp.

He came to the fore in Europe during Tottenham's 4-3 defeat by 2010 Champions League winners Inter Milan, when he scored a hat-trick for the ten-man side at the San Siro.