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No Modric-for-Torres swap deal - Redknapp

Luka Modric wanted to leave Tottenham for Chelsea in the summer © PA Photos

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Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has rejected reports that he would let Luka Modric join Chelsea if Fernando Torres were to come to White Hart Lane in return.

Redknapp has reiterated for months that he is loath to allow Modric to be sold and Spurs signalled their intent to keep him when rejecting a £30 million bid from the Blues during last summer's transfer window.

The arrival of the January window has inevitably brought renewed speculation that the Blues will return with another offer for the Croatian, who handed in a transfer request and publicly sought a move to Stamford Bridge before being told he had to stay at Spurs.

Modric has gone on to be an influential player for Redknapp's side again this season, helping them challenge at the top of the table - ironically above Chelsea - but there has been talk that Torres could now be used as a makeweight to convince them to finally part with their playmaker.

Redknapp, though, insists there is no offer of the sort on the table, saying: "No I have never heard that one. I think Torres is starting to look the player that we all know he can be, the player he was at Liverpool - he is a top player no doubt that about it.

"But there is no way he is coming to Tottenham and no swap deal is in the offing for Luka Modric, I think they will get the best out of him."

Spurs are determined to thwart any potential advances from Chelsea, and Redknapp is hopeful that a new deal can be agreed.

"I don't know where they are but hopefully the chairman will come to agreement and he signs a new contract, he has got a long contract anyway," Redknapp said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.