Tottenham Hotspur's Gareth Bale reacts during their English Premier League soccer match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in London in this May 8, 2013 file photo. [Photo/Agencies]

Beckham comparison

Neymar is, however, an established international certain to feature in next year's World Cup finals in Brazil, in which Wales will not feature, and it is this global piece of the jigsaw which Real are particularly keen to exploit with Bale.

The astronomical fee paid for the winger can only begin to be understood when the player's marketing impact is brought into the equation, and that is where comparisons with Beckham enter the frame.

Real are the richest club by income in the world ahead of Spanish champions Barca, according to the annual survey by accounting firm Deloitte, and Bale's capture is essential for them to continue to develop their income streams around the globe.

Beckham's reach, which transcended football, helped fire Real's brand growth internationally between 2003 and 2007.

They will be hoping for more of the same with Bale, whose image has been used by British Telecom to promote their new sports television service in Britain, and by NBC in their advert for coverage of the Premier League in the United States.

His ability to attract international supporters and new sponsors, especially in the English-speaking world, is one thing, but he will be judged by the Bernabeu for his performances on the pitch, particularly in the Champions League and against Barca.

That is where the comparisons with Ronaldo and with Neymar will be put sharply into focus.

($1 = 0.7584 euros)