Gareth Bale applies to trademark goal celebration logo

Spurs forward Gareth Bale could stand to make up to £3 million a year if he successfully manages to trademark a logo based on his goal celebration, a heart-shaped hand gesture he dedicates to his long-time girlfriend.

Bale has filed an application to the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) to trademark the "Eleven of Hearts" logo, which copies the goal celebration with a number 11 - his shirt number - inside the heart.

Nigel Currie, director of sports marketing agency Brand-Rapport, said the trademark could make Bale a third of his overall income and up to £3 million a year if an independent tribunal gives him the green light.

"The possibilities are huge for Gareth Bale. Once he has that right he can cash in on it and become a more well-known player", Mr Currie said

"Beckham does various things for various brands, but having this logo gives you the opportunity to use it as the brand image".