I think Levy is great, one of the best Chairman in the country. However I don't think his tactics with that particular deal could really be praised. Peace acted like a tit and has probably ended up losing out as a result, but IMO our bids weren't handled particularly well.
The problem is that you are comparing Apples with Oranges..... I wonder whether Modric would've responded in a brilliant way if Redknapp had actually wanted to sell him because he wasn't part of his plans any more only for the chairman to say no? Also if he hadn't been given assurances that he could go in another year's time for a reasonable fee? Also if Redknapp had bought in a replacement player for him, benched him for that replacement player and told him he wasn't going to be playing centre midfield any more but said that he might get a few sub appearances at fullback if he trained well?
There was no official 'asking price' for him.... However it was leaked by agents that £20 million would get him. We made an insulting bid, turned the players head and then left it there to fester hoping that it would force WBA's hand. I know it's business and you can always negotiate up from your opening offer, etc, etc... But we didn't cover ourselves in glory mate. There have been other occasions previously where similar has happened (for example our behaviour when signing Zamora from Brighton was appalling)