Re: 1060 pages and a striker, but 113 pages later no more Modric summer transfer thre
Andre Villas-Boas, the Tottenham manager, is keen to add Brazilian playmaker Willian and talks are at an advanced stage with Shakhtar Donetsk, who are hoping for as much as £20 million. An initial offer of around £12 million is already understood to have been rejected but it appeared significant that Willian was omitted from Shakhtar’s league game against Karpaty Lvov on Sunday, with coach Mircea Lucescu suggesting that the 24 year-old was not in the right frame of mind.
“Does any of you believe that in his current situation his head produces thoughts in the direction of right thinking?” Lucescu said.
“I wouldn’t like him to play and suffer an injury but this could happen. He will have some rest, and then we will see what to do. We have a week before the transfer window closes, during which, perhaps, everything will be solved.”
Tottenham, though, are also continuing to line up other options, including Fulham’s Moussa Dembélé, with David Bentley or Jermaine Jenas potential makeweights in a deal that could be worth around £15 million.
Goalkeeper is another area that Villas-Boas would like to strengthen and he retains serious interest both in Hugo Lloris, the France captain, and Birmingham City’s Jack Butland.
Jean-Michel Aulas, the Lyon president, said yesterday that the situation was now in the hands of Lloris, suggesting that there was agreement with Tottenham on a £12 million fee. The sticking point, however, could be Lloris’s desire for Champions League football.
“The sale of Modric from Tottenham to Madrid is important, as is the amount of the transfer,” said Aulas. “It’s true that on Sunday we had a lot of contact with [Tottenham chairman] Daniel Levy. Things progressed during these talks, both qualitatively and quantitatively, but nothing’s concrete yet.
“I’ve informed Hugo of these discussions. We’ll have to be a bit patient to find out. The decision belongs to Hugo, who, I think, will be approached by Tottenham soon. The clubs’ positions have moved closer together.”
Tottenham are also continuing to monitor their central midfield options, with Rennes’ Yann M’Vila still on the list of potential targets. According to Rennes, Tottenham have made one bid – understood to be around £12 million – but there has been no further progress in negotiations.
Rennes are willing to sell M’Vila but they would expect an offer in excess of £15 million. Villas-Boas would ideally like another more creative central midfielder but, with Scott Parker still unavailable, a renewed bid for M’Vila does remain possible.
Joao Moutinho had been Villas-Boas’s preferred choice but Porto’s asking price is well beyond what Tottenham would be willing to pay.
An inquiry has also been made for Russia’s attacking midfielder Alan Dzagoev, who was one of the emerging stars of euro 2012 with his three goals in the tournament.
Dzagoev’s father and agent claimed that there had been an offer from Tottenham earlier in the transfer window and it is understood that there has been renewed interest over the past week.
The problem for Tottenham, however, would be the asking price from CSKA Moscow for their 22 year-old of around £20 million.
Adding another forward is also regarded as less of a priority than reinforcing the midfield, with Villas-Boas minded to start the season with Emmanuel Adebayor, Jermain Defoe and Harry Kane as his three options. An inquiry for International’s Leandro Damiao has also stalled over the cost of the deal.
While Tottenham clearly do not expect to secure all of their potential targets, club sources are expecting a “busy” conclusion to the summer transfer window and two or three new signings. Levy is renowned for his late deals and, with just four days until the summer window shuts, it is a familiar strategy for him to have so many “irons in the fire”.
The Modric money is available for reinvestment in a squad who have stuttered to just one point from their opening two matches this season against Saudi Sportswashing Machine and West Bromwich Albion.
Villas-Boas has repeatedly stressed that he does not want to implement dramatic changes and it is the signings of Willian and Lloris that appear most attainable.
Players are also still likely to leave, although Michael Dawson has turned down the chance of moving to Queens Parks Rangers and Tom Huddlestone’s prospective move to Stoke City has stalled. Tottenham’s desire to keep Rafael van der Vaart could also be tested by a late bid from Hamburg.
After completing his medical on Monday Modric, who has signed a five-year deal, said: “When I heard Madrid noticed me, the rest lost interest. This is the best club in the world, with the best coach, the best players. Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Ángel di María, Gonzalo Higuaín, Mesut Özil, Xabi Alonso – I look forward to playing with them.”
Although there will be no repeat of their dramatic dash for signings last summer, Arsenal are still hoping to add to their squad before the transfer window closes on Friday.
They are likely to make a bid for Montpellier captain Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa who, while primarily a centre-back, could provide cover across the defence. There has also been interest in Caen’s 17-year-old forward M’Baye Niang, although he was on the brink of joining AC Milan on Monday night.
Arsène Wenger will also look to add a defensive midfielder to cover for the sale of Alex Song.
Spurs' shopping list
Willian
Potential cost: £18m
Brazilian playmaker who is currently based in Ukraine with Shakhtar Donetsk. Willian was also the subject of strong interest last summer from Chelsea.
Moussa Dembele
Potential cost: £15m
Fulham midfielder who can also operate as a second striker. Martin Jol has warned that he will not be sold cheaply but Tottenham could offer David Bentley or Jermaine Jenas as part of the deal.
Yann M’Vila
Potential cost: 15m
Regarded among the best young holding midfielders in Europe and was of serious interest to Arsenal, although there have been concerns at his off-field behaviour. Rennes are willing to sell this summer if their valuation is matched.
Alan Dzagoev
Potential cost: £20m
One of the young stars of euro 2012 after his three goals in three matches before Russia’s elimination. Can play as a striker or midfielder. Highly valued by CSKA Moscow and would demand a considerable transfer fee.
Hugo Lloris
Potential cost: £12m
The France captain and regarded among the best goalkeepers in the world. Lyon are keen to bring in some money but Lloris would prefer a Champions League club.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/fo...ter-Luka-Modrics-33m-exit-to-Real-Madrid.html
