Modric still at Spurs as Madrid deal stalls
Reuters - Monday 06 August 2012, 11:40
Tottenham Hotspur's Luka Modric continues to
remain in a state of isolation at the Premier League club but
manager Andre Villas-Boas said the midfielder could return to
training if his proposed transfer to Real Madrid collapses.
Villas-Boas has not considered Modric to be part of his
plans this season, due to his proposed £40 million transfer away from
White Hart Lane, and as a result the Croatian player has been
training on his own.
The 26-year-old did not travel with Tottenham on their tour
of the United States recently and was not selected to play in
Spurs' 1-0 win over Watford in a friendly on Sunday.
But things could change rapidly if Modric decides to remain
in London, with Villas-Boas saying the club would do everything
possible to get his fitness back up to speed.
"We have to move on, preparing the squad, thinking that the
offer might arrive. If not, then we need to get him physically
ready as quickly as possible," Villas-Boas was quoted as saying
in The Times.
"We respect the mental state of the player and don't want to
affect the running of the squad [by him joining in]. That is the
most important thing.
"The individual is a good professional and is going through
a difficult situation, but the club can do nothing about it.
"It is the second time he has had this situation. When he is
mentally ready we will build him up physically. It is very
difficult to do that to play the first game."
Local newspaper reports in London mention a disagreement
between Tottenham and Real Madrid over the valuation of Modric.
Spurs are reported to be seeking £40m for the creative
midfielder while Madrid are thought to have offered close to
£28m for his services.