Real Madrid manager José Mourinho appears to be becoming ever more frustrated as Luka Modric’s protracted move to the Spanish champions continues to rumble on.
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has slapped a £40 million price on the Croatian playmaker’s head, and is refusing to budge from this figure as negotiations continue.
A number of bids have reportedly been made, all of which fail to reach this valuation and have consequentially been firmly rejected.
Most recently a £38 million offer including £8 million in the form of add-ons to be paid over the duration of Modric’s stay has been turned down, as has a part exchange bid involving either experienced Portuguese defensive enforcer Ricardo Carvalho or promising Turkish midfielder Nuri Sahin, as the North London side hold out for £40 million up front.
Despite the wantaway midfielder having already agreed terms on a five year contract with Real and attempting to force through a move by refusing to turn up for his side’s preseason tour of America, it appears his chairman’s hard line approach could be testing Madrid’s patience with the transfer.
Indeed, Mourinho has reportedly begun looking at potential alternatives to Modric, with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez highlighting former player Wesley Sneijder as an alternative should a deal fail to materialise.
Sneijder left the Bernabeu for Inter Milan three years ago after enduring a mixed time at the club, but has since enjoyed a renaissance in Italy, and was widely reported to be a top priority target for Manchester United last summer.
Another possibility is 23 year old Belgian midfielder Axel Witsel, who currently plays in Portugal for Benfica and has a growing reputation as one of Europe’s brightest midfield talents.
Modric will be desperate for Madrid to up their bid to seal his dream move to the Spanish capital, but Levy’s stubbornness could result in the talented playmaker spending another year in London instead.
