Source: Daily_Mail
Tottenham's Luka Modric set to join tour of South Africa
Tottenham are adamant that Luka Modric will depart for South Africa for the club's pre-season tour despite the playmaker insisting he wants to leave the club for Chelsea.[LNB]The Blues have gone back to Spurs with a ?27million bid for Modric comprising a ?25m down payment and a performance-related ?2m - after seeing their initial offer of ?22million rejected last month.[LNB]Both Tottenham and Chelsea have refused to confirm officially whether a second bid has been lodged, but it is understood that Spurs are deeply unhappy with their London rivals' pursuit of the former Dinamo Zagreb midfielder, who is 14 months into a six-year contract.[LNB] Blues Brothers: Modric in training at Spurs Lodge with Rafael van der Vaart[LNB]Modric is eager to move to Stamford Bridge and launched a scathing attack on Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy at the weekend for blocking his dream switch.[LNB]Owner Roman Abramovich made another bid for Modric after Chelsea learned that midfielder Michael Essien would miss the next six months with a knee injury.[LNB]But Tottenham, already angered by Modric's verbal attack on Levy, are as determined as ever to resist their advances.[LNB]Manager Harry Redknapp said: 'Our stance is the same, we don't want to lose him.[LNB]'But I understand it's a difficult situation for him. It's not easy. When clubs come along and offer to double or treble your wages it makes it hard for him.[LNB] Under orders: Harry Redknapp is determined to hold onto Modric this summer[LNB] 'At the end of the day it's up to thechairman, he makes those decisions. I certainly wouldn't want to lose him but it's a difficult situation. I'm desperate to keep him because he's so good.'[LNB]The Croatia international has stated in three interviews in recent few weeks that he is determined to leave White Hart Lane and complete a 'dream' move to Chelsea, who can offer him the Champions League football that Spurs can not.[LNB]The latest interview he gave on Saturday with a Croatian newspaper has infuriated Spurs fans. The 25-year-old accused Levy of being 'arrogant' and of reneging on a deal that would allow him to leave Tottenham if a big club came in with a reasonable bid for the star.[LNB]Despite the stinging personal attack,Levy has not altered his stance with Modric and the club fully expect him to board the plane for South Africa when it leaves tomorrow afternoon.[LNB] Blow: Michael Essien (left) has been ruled out for up to six months with a knee injury[LNB]The club are adamant that all their first-team squad will fly to the country, where they are scheduled to play in a tournament with Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. Spurs' first match is on Saturday.[LNB]Modric's representative Nikki Arthur Vuksan confirmed the player will be going on the trip.[LNB]'Of course Luka will be going to South Africa. He is a Tottenham player and he has a contract there,' he said.[LNB]Sources close to Modric told Sportsmail the midfielder remains determined to quit White Hart Lane this summer, despite Tottenham's unwillingness to give in to his wishes.But handing in a transfer request was a last resort.[LNB] CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE FANTASY FOOTBALL GAMEChelsea test Spurs' resolve with ?27m bid for Modric after suffering Essien blowChelsea's title bid suffers early blow as Essien is ruled out for six monthsAll the latest Chelsea news, features and opinionAll the latest Tottenham news, features and opinion [LNB]
