• Premier League

I'd be lying if I said Modric doesn't want out - Redknapp

ESPN staff
July 7, 2011
Luka Modric is wanted by England's top clubs © Getty Images
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Harry Redknapp has confessed Luka Modric is "confused" after "three out of the top five" clubs in the Premier League registered an interest in the Croatian.

Tottenham have knocked back the only official approach, a £22 million bid by Chelsea, and chairman Daniel Levy met with Modric on Wednesday to tell him he will not be sold this summer.

Redknapp revealed after Thursday's training session that three of England's biggest clubs want him, and he concedes it is difficult to stop Modric wanting to play Champions League football.

Team-mate Rafael van der Vaart has already admitted the midfielder is "disappointed" that he was not allowed to talk to potential suitors, and now Redknapp has confirmed Tottenham currently have a player who is feeling extremely disillusioned.

"He's always committed to Tottenham and he loves playing here," Redknapp told Sky Sports News.

"But it's difficult for him, I understand where he's coming from. We can't kid ourselves, if someone is going to double or triple your wages and you can go and [play Champions League football]... it's difficult."

Asked if Modric's discontent meant the player could still leave, Redknapp tentatively ruled out the possibility, but he could not hide the disharmony that the summer transfer window has caused.

"He'll remain here," Redknapp assured. "It's no use me saying he's walked in and everything's great and he's happy he's staying, the kid's a bit confused at the moment. It's not easy for him.

"I'd be telling you lies if I said he's fine and he doesn't want to go and play for whoever wants him. I think there's three or four teams that want him out of the top five.

"But we want to keep him, and we need him. And as he said to me this morning, we need to add to him."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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