TRANSFER NEWS:CHELSEA'S STUBBORN pursuit of Luka Modric is set to continue with Tottenham Hotspur braced to receive a third improved offer in excess of €34 million for the unsettled Croatia international.
Modric, who is contracted to Spurs until 2016 and is on tour with the club in South Africa, has publicly expressed his desire to move to Stamford Bridge and, with his relationship with the Tottenham chairman, Daniel Levy, having apparently fractured beyond repair, had submitted a formal transfer request on the eve of the squad’s departure for Johannesburg. Levy maintains that the player will not be sold at any price.
There is an acceptance that this is likely to prove a protracted and acrimonious chase. Modric has been identified as Chelsea’s principal target and will remain a priority. Their previous inquiries – an opening offer of €25 million was rejected last month, with an improved package worth around €31 million knocked back early last week – had served to infuriate Levy and strengthen his resolve to retain the player.
Meanwhile, Carlos Tevez is sweating on Corinthians tabling an improved bid to Manchester City before the Brazilian club’s deadline of tomorrow night, with the Eastlands hierarchy still holding out for €57 million.
Although a compromise may be struck somewhere in between that and Corinthians’ initial offer of €40 million, City will not countenance a loan deal for the striker, who is desperate to return to his old club.
While Real Madrid also retain a keen interest in Tevez, his countryman Sergio Aguero suggested he would like to leave Atletico Madrid for City. The 23-year-old striker is viewed by City manager Roberto Mancini as the best replacement for Tevez, although the club will have to meet his release clause of €43 million.
Shay Given is one player who appears certain to leave Eastlands. Given is closing in on a move to Aston Villa after he failed to make a single Premier League appearance last season. Shaun Wright-Phillips, the City winger, is also reportedly interesting Alex McLeish, the Villa manager.
Liverpool have completed the signings of the England winger Stewart Downing and the goalkeeper Alexander Doni. Downing has joined for €23 million from Aston Villa and Doni has arrived from Roma on a free transfer.
Guardian Service
