Chelsea hoping to beat Real Madrid to Modric
Chelsea are to make a daring £36 million swoop to steal Luka Modric from under the noses of Real Madrid according the Daily Express.
Modric looks certain to leave Tottenham Hotpsur this summer with reports suggesting he is ready to hand a written transfer request to chairman Daniel Levy detailing his wish to play for a club in the Champions League.
Spurs missed out on a seat in Europe’s elite competition, despite finishing fourth in the Premier League, after being overtaken by North London rivals Arsenal in third and then seeing Chelsea lift the trophy after beating Bayern Munich in May.
The Blues are now hoping to use that to their advantage as owner Roman Abramovich looks to beat Madrid to Modric’s signature and land the Croatian international.
A move to the Spanish champions looked inevitable for the 26-year-old after showing a preference towards joining the club although it’s emerged that manager Jose Mourinho will only be able to offer £20m.
Abramovich pursued Modric for much of last summer seeing numerous offers rejected by Levy, despite the player expressing a desire to leave, but is confident at finally getting his man with an irresistible bid of £36m as Spurs are in desperate need of a financial boost.
The Russian oligarch wants him as the long-term replacement for Frank Lampard whilst Branislav Ivanovic has urged the midfielder to make the switch to West London.
Ivanovic said previously of Modric: “Chelsea as a team has needed a player with these qualities. He would fit in quickly and strengthen the squad.
“He has exceptional quality, and moving to a bigger club is necessary for him to take the next step in his career. He should come to Chelsea – it won’t be a mistake!”
