Why Gareth Bale will be excited about Chelsea's potential new signing

The Tottenham Hotspur winger will be happy to hear that Maicon could be on his way to Chelsea.

Going into the game at White Hart Lane in late 2010, Maicon was touted as the world's best right-back.

A mauling by Gareth Bale in a 3-1 win for Tottenham left his reputation, on these shores at least, in tatters.

Spurs fans were chanting 'Taxi for Maicon' - so taken with their attacker's dominance over the Brazilian.

In context, it was not just the right-back who was poor that night- the whole Inter team, especially the defence were - and they were going through a difficult period under Rafa Benitez.

Since then, the defender has not hit the heights he did under Jose Mourinho, but nor have any of his teammates.

A change of scenery could be good for him, but he will have some adjusting to do to cope with the English game.

Chelsea are reported to be trying to tie up a deal for the defender, in the region of £6 million as they seek to replace Jose Bosingwa - who they allowed to leave on a free.

If Maicon does sign, when Chelsea face Tottenham next season the Brazilian will have quite a point to prove.

Perhaps it will be a motivation for him to move to the Bridge, to right a wrong, to take on Bale again and get the better of him.

As if, with Chelsea snatching Tottenham's Champions League place, and Spurs appointing Andre Villas-Boas, the fixture did not have enough spice already.

The potential transfer is a fascinating one, and we'd certainly look forward to seeing the pair do battle once more.

Watch Bale take Maicon apart below...

Would Bale enjoy the same success next time around?

Dan Coombs

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Dan Coombs is a writer who is keen to embrace the internet revolution. He first started writing for us in June 2011 and commenced his new role as Sports Editor in February 2012.

As a trained journalist he has met famous faces from Mr T to Boris Johnson. He once featured in an England World Cup music video too, but it did not make the charts.

He grew up wanting to be a Formula 1 driver, but it looks like this dream has passed him by. Instead, he hopes you enjoy reading his writing on our site, as we seek to debate the day's sporting hot topics.