Source: Daily_Mail
It's time for Daniel Levy to make Luka Modric call
The critical moment of Tottenham's 2008-09 season was undoubtedly the appointment, on October 25, of manager Harry Redknapp. [LNB]On the day he arrived, Spurs were bottom of the Barclays Premier League and by the end of the season they were eighth. [LNB]There was another individual extremely pertinent to that season's trials and tribulations, though, and his name was Dimitar Berbatov. [LNB] Turning point: Redknapp's arrival greatly improved Tottenham's fortunes[LNB]The Bulgarian centre forward was sold for ?31million that season to last night's opponents Manchester United. [LNB]More relevant, however, is the date and time at which he was sold. Tottenham - after resisting United's advances all summer - finally concluded the deal a few hours before the transfer window closed. Smart? No, not very. [LNB]Ask any manager in any division in Europe when he would least like to sell a player. Most would reply: August 31. The season has started, plans have been made and, most importantly, it's too late to spend the money. [LNB]This is why - as the end of this summer's trading window looms on the horizon - Redknapp appeared to give Chelsea a morsel of encouragement yesterday in relation to their pursuit of his Croatia midfielder Luka Modric. [LNB]Chelsea's new ?30m offer for the player was, according to Redknapp, 'no longer derisory'. Translate that as you wish but be certain of one thing. [LNB]This is a deal that Redknapp cannot afford chairman Daniel Levy to conclude as late as next Wednesday night and maybe this was his way of saying so. [LNB] Double trouble: Could Modric join Berbatov as another Spurs star to leave the club[LNB]Levy likes a scrap, of course, and he doesn't mind doing it in public. Three summers ago he reported United to the Premier League for their pursuit of Berbatov. United didn't care, though. [LNB]They signed the player anyway and Levy was left with ?31m in the bank while his team thrashed around on the sea bed until the New Year. [LNB]Eventually, Tottenham spent their money and they spent it well. In January 2009, Jermain Defoe, Robbie Keane, Pascal Chimbonda and Wilson Palacios arrived to propel Spurs up the table. Does this sound like a history lesson? Maybe. But what is history for if not to teach us lessons? [LNB]Despite the impact of Redknapp's arrival that October, it is worth noting that they were still 18th after losing at Wigan on January 11. It was, to a large degree, the improvement of their squad that month that belatedly enabled them to climb. [LNB]Few managers enjoy the opportunities presented by the transfer market as much as Redknapp but if he is to compete for a top-four position he needs a bold decision from Levy now. [LNB] Outclassed: Despite the talent at Tottenham, they weren't a match for United[LNB] [LNB] If Levy means what he has said and Modric is not for sale then the Tottenham chairman must stick by this. Modric - adjudged unfit in mind and body to play last night - may want his move desperately but if any manager can motivate an unhappy player to perform then it is Redknapp.[LNB]On the other hand, if Levy does have a price in mind that will get this deal done then he owes it to his manager and to his club's supporters to tell Chelsea what it is and get on with it. [LNB]Watching Tottenham on Monday night it was easy to see why they are reluctant to lose Modric. They were in this game for long periods but lacked the guile to open up United when occasional opportunities arose. [LNB]Aaron Lennon should never play for England again until he learns to lift up his head in possession while Defoe and Gareth Bale were also unable to deliver the right pass at crucial moments. [LNB]Rafael van der Vaart is Tottenham's best player in Modric's absence and he seemed close to despair at times last night. To most, an offer of ?30m would seem fair. [LNB]Modric is not Wayne Rooney. No club likes to be bullied into selling their best players and Tottenham have been here before. [LNB] Raf justice: Van der Vaart was Spurs' best player on the night[LNB] [LNB]Redknapp clearly wants to keep his star man, saying: 'Daniel has said he will look at his contract and we want to keep him. [LNB]'Thereis no point selling this late in the window.' But if they are to sell they should do so now. Squeezing an extra couple of million out of RomanAbramovich may give Levy some satisfaction. [LNB]But?32m in the bank will do the club and Redknapp no good if they are not able to spend it until after the Christmas decorations have come down.[LNB] Manchester United 3 Tottenham 0: Danny heads for the top! Fantastic Welbeck is too hot for SpursNasri wants out, so do Tevez and Modric...it's the rise of player powerOld Trafford match zone: Savage reaction riles Robbie as United reap ?40m train fareAll the latest Chelsea news, features and opinionAll the latest Manchester United news, features and opinionAll the latest Tottenham news, features and opinion[LNB] [LNB]
