Bale misses out on Uefa Best Player

Gareth Bale, who has been valued at £100 million-plus by Real Madrid, has failed to make the 2013 Uefa Best Player in Europe shortlist.

The award is voted for by select journalists from Uefa’s member associations, and with the second round of voting completed, Tottenham Hotspur’s want-away star has been knocked out of contention.

Bale came in at number eight as the longlist of 10 was reduced to three.

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, and Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery stay in contention.

Robin van Persie, who scored 26 goals last season as Manchester United won the English Premier League title came in at number 10.

The winner will be decided after another round of voting on August 29.

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta won the award last year.

The voting breakdown for 4-10

4. Arjen Robben (Ned) – Bayern Munich (57 points)

5. Robert Lewandowski (Pol) – Borussia Dortmund (39)

6. Thomas Muller (Ger) – Bayern Munich (38)

7. Bastian Schweinsteiger (Ger) – Bayern Munich (32)

8. Gareth Bale (Wal) – Tottenham (24)

9. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Swe) – Paris St-Germain (14)

10. Robin van Persie (Ned) – Manchester United (10)