Andre Villas-Boas insists the Luka Modric transfer saga will not disrupt preparations for his first match in charge of Tottenham this weekend.
Real Madrid are closing in on the signature of Modric after Villas-Boas revealed talks with the Spanish champions regarding a deal for the playmaker are progressing well.
It’s the second season running Spurs have had to deal with Modric demanding to leave the club, but Villas-Boas hopes the deal will be finalised soon to allow him to concentrate on his Premier League opener at Newcastle tomorrow.
‘No, this is not a distraction,’ said Villas-Boas.
‘The player is training individually and he doesn’t disrupt our environment. I think we will have a conclusion to this in the next couple of weeks.’
And on the possibility of acquiring a replacement for the Croatian, the Spurs boss added: ‘I think before this situation is resolved we can’t do anything because we already have a certain amount of players in that position.’
Regarding his striker options, Villas-Boas remained hopeful Emmanuel Adebayor will sign from Manchester City next week and that Jermain Defoe will remain at the club after talks with the player and his agent.
He added: ‘The talks were positive. Jermain was a key player [last term] and will continue to be.
‘That’s the expectancy I have over his future.’
By Metro
