Top target: Luka Modric
Chelsea are about to launch a £26million bid for
Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric.
Connections of the 24-year-old Croatia midfielder have been in
London this week for discussions with his club aimed at sounding
out his future at White Hart Lane.
But he has emerged as a top target for the newly-crowned Double
winners with manager Carlo Ancelotti, backed by director of
football Frank Arnesen, acutely aware of the need to bring in
younger blood if they are to maintain their place at the top of
English football.
Another important factor is Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's
determination to win the Champions League, an ambition he is
prepared to support by slugging it out with Manchester City in what
will be a multi-million pound transfer battle this summer.
Both clubs have made no secret of their desire to sign Liverpool
striker Fernando Torres.
Modric suffered after being switched to a deep-lying role by
managerial flop Juande Ramos after a £16.5million move to Spurs in
the summer of 2008 and it was only after the Spaniard's successor
Harry Redknapp utilised his passing and vision in a more attacking
role that the Croat and Spurs blossomed.
Now the Spurs boss looks likely to get the call he dreads - when
Chelsea come knocking for Modric.