By Jeremy Wilson
Tottenham had initially placed a £50 million price-tag on their midfielder and had turned down a deal that could have risen to more than £35million because they were unhappy with the guaranteed proportion of the payment.
Real, however, have indicated that they are willing to restructure the deal to guarantee Tottenham closer to £35 million and Modric is now finally expected in Madrid in the next 48 hours for a medical and to agree personal terms.
The money from the Modric deal will also allow Andre Villas-Boas, the Tottenham manager, to pursue his own midfield transfer targets, notably Porto’s Joao Moutinho but also Rennes midfielder Yann M’Vila.
He has also already signed Gylfi Sigurdsson this summer from Hoffenheim. Moutinho was Villas-Boas’ preferred replacement for Modric but, with Porto wanting £24 million, there is a sense that M’Vila, who would cost closer to £15 million, might represent better value.
Modric, who has four years remaining on his contract, has been training with the reserves since refusing to go on Tottenham’s pre-season tour but the club’s handling of the situation was still criticised yesterday by Igor Stimac, the Croatia coach.
