Tottenham star Gareth Bale was the subject of a "big-money bid" over the summer, according to Wales manager John Toshack.
The former Southampton prodigy signed a four-year contract at White Hart Lane in May but that has not stopped other clubs casting envious eyes over the dynamic left-sided defender or winger.
Toshack, who is with Bale preparing for a Euro 2012 qualifier in Montenegro on Friday, would not confirm which club had made an approach when he spoke glowingly of the player at a press conference on Thursday.
But given his extensive knowledge of European football as a former Real Madrid manager and seven other clubs on the continent, it is assumed to have come from overseas.
Toshack said: "It was a big-money bid - it's big money to me anyway. You'll have to ask Tottenham, they know about it.
"Gareth is aware people are looking at him and people are interested."
When pressed on the identity of the club, Toshack said: "I wouldn't do that out of confidence for the people who have informed me."
Toshack did joke that Spurs manager Harry Redknapp should not be claiming the credit for Bale's emergence.
Bale, who joined Spurs for £5million in 2007, only became a regular in the north Londoners' side in the second half of last season.
Toshack has been an admirer since handing the Cardiff-born player, who now has 24 caps, his international debut at the age of 16 just over four years ago.
Toshack said: "Two years ago when we started the World Cup qualifying campaign, the first three matches Bale was named man of the match against Azerbaijan, Russia and Liechtenstein.
"I know Harry thinks he has performed some kind of miracle at White Hart Lane but it is certainly not a surprise to us. We know full well what Gareth can do.
"I think the fact the left-back (Benoit Assou-Ekotto) was injured at Tottenham opened the door for him a bit and that shouldn't have been the case. But it was and he's taken full advantage."
Toshack has been impressed by Bale's continued improvement but believes there is much more to come from the youngster.
"I just hope he can take his club performances into our games at international level.
"He's in Champions League football now which is another platform for him to show what he can do and if he steers clear of the injury problems he has had he's got everything going for him to be a big, big player."
Wales begin their latest attempt to qualify for a major tournament for the first time since 1958 on Friday with confidence as Bale combines with talisman Craig Bellamy.
Bellamy, 31, is now back in the international fold after missing five of seven matches last season for a various reasons and is looking forward to linking with Bale.
"He's an incredible player," said Bellamy, who recently joined Cardiff on loan from Manchester City.
"In January he wasn't playing. He had three or four months, an incredible end to the season, and he has just carried it on.
"For me he is immense. I believe he is one of the top players in the Premier League, without doubt.
"To have him in our team, in the form he is, is great."
Bale is the shining light of a group of youngsters Toshack has blooded in recent years following the retirements of a number of senior players.
The team remains in transition but Toshack believes his youngsters are now experienced enough to make an impact in a Euro 2012 qualifying group that also includes England, Bulgaria and Switzerland.
Toshack said: "The side that plays tomorrow, as much as they are young players, have got quite a number of caps under their belts now. They are not really rookies."
Wayne Hennessey will start in goal for Wales against Montenegro in Podgorica after being given the nod ahead of Boaz Myhill.
Defender Craig Morgan is a slight doubt with a foot injury but Toshack is confident he will be fit.
