Steven Pienaar has insisted that Spurs are set to have a battle to keep hold on their playmaker Luka Modric in this summer’s transfer window.

The 26-year-old was the subject of interest from Chelsea before the start of the season; however Tottenham fought off their London rivals and managed to keep hold of Modric.

It is believed that the Croatian international submitted a transfer request; whilst Everton loanee Pienaar is aware that it is difficult for a club to keep a player who desires to move.

The South African rejoined his old club on loan following a disappointing year at White Hart Lane, and is able to see the argument from both sides.

He believes that players are ambitious are may only come across a few opportunities to move on during their careers, however he knows that Spurs need to keep their best players in order to progress.

“Luka is a top player for Spurs and if he leaves it is hard to say what will happen there,” Pienaar told the Sunday Mirror.

“He is such an important member of the team. Tottenham will want to keep him at the club, but it is difficult when a player like him wants to move on.
“As a player only a few opportunities to move on come up in your life, so I can see it from both sides.

“It was hard for Luka at the start of the season because he was thinking about his future. But he is a good professional and after the chance to leave Spurs passed he did everything he could for the team. He is that kind of guy.
“That’s why the other players like him so much. But I understand from my own experience that if a good opportunity is blocked by your club, it can be hard to concentrate.”