All signs point towards a future putting Luka Modric away from Tottenham by the time the 2012-2013 season kicks off, but where? While Real Madrid continue to be the closest club to signing him, other teams, like Manchester United and PSG are also in the hunt.

Whoever the chasers and suitors may be, it’s pretty clear, from last year’s Chelsea saga and from this season’s price-rangers thus far that nothing less than £35-40 million will convince Tottenham to sell Modric. Despite not being a Champions League club, Spurs feel that this is a title-caliber side who could have been managed better (Harry Redknapp not continuing) and had a bit of bad luck with Chelsea winning the Champions League. Selling Modric is a step backwards, and might lead to more top players (Bale, Bale, Bale) looking for an exit.

The situation, as everyone understand and sees, with a player clearly wanting to play elsewhere and a club reluctant to let him go for less than an astronomical sum, is quite complicated and uncomortable for all sides, including manager Andre Villas-Boas.

There has been continuous interest from three different clubs in Luka. But it is important for Tottenham to hold on to their rights. His situation will continue as it is until the price is right. Luka is an intelligent person and understands the club has to defend their values, rights and interests. It’s a difficult situation for the club, but we have been co-operative by openly saying we are willing to listen to offers. But the offer has not been met to what the chairman wants. If that is met, there won’t be any problems.

Modric has played for Tottenham over the last four seasons, just as the club was beginning its rise into the top 4 or around it, playing a huge part in their Champions League participation. He has scored 13 league goals, adding 21 assists since arriving from Dinamo Zagreb for £16.5 million, but it’s what he does off the stat charts, in his ability to hold, navigate and create in the midfield, which was also shown in the three matches he played for Croatia in Euro 2012, probably further convincing big clubs he’s worth the expenditure. His versatility and the ability to use his in a number of positions in the the middle of the park doesn’t hurt either.

Tottenham, who will be playing in the Europa League this season have already purchased Gylfi Sigurdsson from Hoffenheim for £8 million and Jan Vertonghen from Ajax for £9 million. Emannuel Adebayor’s full transfer from Manchester City has yet to be completed. They’ve sold two Croatian players, Niko Kranjcar and Vedran Corluka, while also letting go of Steven Pienaar and Louis Saha.

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