Modric almost certain to start season with Spurs despite strike

Spurs are holding firm in their valuation of £40m for Luka Modric and it seems that the only stumbling block in him leaving London is Real Madrid’s willingness to pay this fee.

It is 1/5 that Modric has left White Hart Lane by the end of the transfer window that is closed on September 1st and the club have been willing to listen to offers for the Croatian thus far.

Modric wants to join Real Madrid and the Spanish champions want to sign him, but to date the best they have mustered is an offer of £27m plus add ons, which is short of Tottenham’s demands.

The 26-year-old has even gone on strike to orchestrate a move, but all this has achieved is gaining him a two-week fine for missing training and a pre-season tour to the United States.

Tottenham may have a non-negotiable asking price at present, but Real Madrid may feel that if they keep niggling away, then they may be able to save a bit of money, especially as the transfer window comes closer to closing.

Barcelona found this strategy to work in their long-winded quest to sign Cesc Fabregas from Arsenal.

However, with Paris Saint Germain also interested in Modric and having an almost bottomless pit of money to spend, it is looking as though they are still waiting to show their hand.

It is 5/2 that Modric is registered at another club aside from Spurs or Real Madrid when the transfer window closes.

A quick resolution seems unlikely and so the 7/2 that Modric starts their opening Premier League game of the season against Newcastle looks worth backing.

Modric failed to leave Tottenham last season and it is 10/3 that he remains a registered Tottenham player after the closing of the transfer window.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.