• Premier League

Spurs slap wantaway Modric with fines

Harry Harris
July 22, 2012
Luka Modric has been ordered to return to training on Monday © PA Photos
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Tottenham Hotspur have issued separate fines to Luka Modric for missing training on Friday and refusing to board the flight for the club's pre-season tour of America.

ESPN understands Spurs have ordered Modric to report back for training on Monday and plan to fine him a third time should he fail to attend. The total would amount to £160,000 already if Spurs decide on the maximum punishment.

The Croatia midfielder, having failed to secure his desired move to Chelsea last summer, has resolved to leave White Hart Lane and is now determined to secure a move to Real Madrid. Tottenham have accepted, and publicly acknowledged, that the 26-year-old should be allowed to leave, but only if their asking price is met.

Spurs want a fee close to £40 million, rather than the £35 million frequently suggested, although there may be some negotiation. However, it is understood that, to date, Real Madrid have offered only £27 million plus fringe players or add-ons up to a total value of £32 million.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy will not do business at that price, and manager Andre Villas-Boas was earlier quoted as telling Spanish newspaper AS that Modric was "wrong" to act the way he did and that his actions would "go against him".

ESPN has been told, though, that Villas-Boas' comments were part of an off-the-record briefing to the Spanish journalist and that the Portuguese feels badly let down that they were reported.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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