French pair could make Tottenham switch as Modric interest hots up

With Luka Modric thought to be on the verge of quitting Tottenham, Harry Redknapp is in search of reinforcements, and Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra is high on his wishlist.

Diarra’s current club are believed to have the most serious interest in Modric, and so a part-exchange deal between the clubs looks a viable option.

Real are expected to make the first move, and offer Tottenham cash along with a player they have long maintained an interest in.

Redknapp is a long-time admirer of Diarra, having previously managed him at Portsmouth, and whilst his style differentiates somewhat from Modric’s, he would prove a very valuable squad member at White Hart Lane.

The French midfielder would welcome the move, after a year involving only very sporadic appearances left the 27-year-old frustrated.

With just a year remaining on his Madrid contract, Diarra is ready to snub interest from Fenerbahce, and quit the Bernabeu in favour of a return to England.

Tottenham now seems his most likely destination, and Modric’s superior sell-on value would negate the need for Spurs to pay a transfer fee for the ex-Arsenal youngster.

Therefore, the London outfit would have added funds available to strengthen other areas of their squad, and Marseille forward Loic Remy is a chief target.

Spurs held an interest in the French striker last January, but were put off by the £17million price tag back then.

Now though, after a season reaping 20 goals in all competitions, Remy is valued at £22million, and that touted fee has failed to deter Redknapp this time round.

Also, Redknapp has received a boost with the news that Ajax captain Jan Vertonghen is still interested in joining Tottenham.

It was thought that the Belgian centre half may not have been keen to move to White Hart Lane in light of Spurs’ failure to qualify for the Champions League, but the player has now admitted that he would still consider a £10million move.