- Premier League
Modric heads for showdown talks with Spurs
Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric is heading for crunch talks about his future with club chairman Daniel Levy, as the Croatian continues to angle for a move to Chelsea.
Modric's future has been the subject of much speculation ever since Spurs failed to qualify for the Champions League at the end of last season, with matters progressing after rivals Chelsea made a bid worth around £22 million for the playmaker.
Modric subsequently expressed his desire to join the Stamford Bridge club, although Levy and manager Harry Redknapp are adamant the 24-year-old is not for sale at any price.
"I was surprised by the figure, it's a farcical bid," Redknapp told Sky Sports News on Monday. "£22 million for Luka Modric is ridiculous. We would not put a valuation on him.
"He is such a fantastic player. We do not want to sell him, he is up there with the very best."
However, according to reports Modric and Levy will now sit down for face-to-face discussions on Tuesday, as they look to reach an agreement on the player's future. Modric is also believed to be on the radar of both Manchester City and Manchester United, with Barcelona having previously been credited with an interest.
Team-mate Rafael van der Vaart hopes Modric chooses to stay at White Hart Lane, but believes if he leaves it will only be to increase his chances of winning major trophies.
"Luka, [Gareth] Bale, they are not players that play for money - they play to win something," Van der Vaart said. "If they feel they have to go to another club it's their decision.
"But I hope they stay because they are fantastic and really important for the club."