Reports in the Daily Telegraph indicate that Chelsea have tabled a £22 million bid for Tottenham Hotspur’s shining light Luka Modric – which has been instantly rejected.
For Harry Redknapp’s side to give themselves a chance of another crack at Champions League football and challenge for a place in the top four, they simply MUST keep the Croatian at White Hart Lane.
Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart received plaudits for the performances in the 2010/11 season, and rightly so, as they duo heavily contributed to the North London side’s brand of attacking football and played a big part in the European adventure. That said, Modric is the glue that keeps the attacking shape of the side together.
The former Dinamo Zagreb man is who the rest of the team look to for inspiration, the player who has the guile, creativity and vision to create chances for the afore mentioned duo and the strikers, and the one who orchestrates whole periods of Tottenham possession.
When the 25 year old does not play, Spurs look devoid of direction. If Bale, Van de Vaart or any of the other much desired stars of the side were to depart, they could be replaced. I currently do not see a player in the Premier League with the same attributes that could replace Modric.
Liverpool just paid £20 million for Jordan Henderson, a player who has only scored four goals in senior football, whilst Manchester United have shelled out £16.5 million on Phil Jones, who has only appeared in 35 top flight matches. £22 million for Modric? That’s an insult.
Redknapp and Daniel Levy have previously stated that the club do not want to sell their prize asset, and hopefully he will wear the white of Tottenham next season. But if the powers that be want to seriously bring the player to Stamford Bridge, a bid of double what they have offered would be needed.
Spurs have slapped a £50 million price tag on the Croatia international’s head, a figure that may seem excessive, but given the inflated transfer fees at the moment and the player’s quality, it fits the bill. Tottenham can prepare themselves for further Chelsea offers, but even if their London rivals do come back with the required £50 million sum, Spurs would be silly to sell; some players are invaluable.
Written by Gareth McKnight – www.ninetyminutesonline.com
