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Why would Modric want to join Chelsea now? - Keane

Luka Modric is still on Chelsea's radar © PA Photos

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New Aston Villa loan signing Robbie Keane believes Chelsea's chance to sign Luka Modric has now gone - because Tottenham have shown they are the better team.

Modric's future was the subject of much speculation in the summer, after a number of bids for his services from the Blues unsettled him and threatened his future at White Hart Lane.

The Spurs hierarchy refused to allow the playmaker to leave, however, and Modric has gone on to prove instrumental as Harry Redknapp's side have moved within three points of league leaders Manchester City after just over half of the Premier League season.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have suffered from teething problems during the early months of manager Andre Villas-Boas' reign, and currently sit eight points off Spurs in fourth. And Keane believes that state of affairs will make it difficult for Chelsea to persuade Modric to agree to a move in future.

"You have seen Chelsea wanted to get Luka," Keane said. "It might be very difficult to try to convince Luka to go to Chelsea now because it is looking like Spurs have overtaken them.

"They have top, top players and they have proved that certainly more this year. Harry has had the players there for a couple of years and you can see them gelling together."

Keane is not the only current MLS player to have made a temporary switch to the Premier League, with LA Galaxy team-mate Landon Donovan returning to Everton and Thierry Henry enjoying an emotional reunion at Arsenal.

Keane was full of praise for Henry, who marked his return to England with the winning goal in the Gunners' 1-0 FA Cup victory over Leeds United.

"He is a legend there and no matter what he does in the few weeks he is back, it is not going to make a difference, he is always going to be a legend," Keane noted.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.