Real Madrid agree £33m deal to sign Tottenham star Modric

Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur have finally come to terms over the protracted transfer of Croatian midfielder Luka Modric, with a fee of £33m reportedly securing his signature.

Jose Mourinho will hope that the acquisition of 26-year-old Modric will help put his side’s title bid back on track, with Los Blancos currently second favourites to win La Liga at 13/8.

Madrid have taken just a point from their opening two league fixtures, whilst rivals Barcelona have made an 100% start and sit top of the table.

But last season’s champions will be hopeful of a change in fortunes having finally completed the transfer of Modric, who will join a star-studded midfield at the Bernabeu.

Mesut Ozil, Kaka, Xabi Alonso, Sami Khedira, Lassana Diarra and Esteban Granero will all provide competition for the former Spurs playmaker in the Spanish capital.

But it is in defence where Madrid are looking vulnerable, and it has been commented that Mourinho would have been better served investing in shoring up his back-line.

The Portuguese tactician may not be finished in the transfer market just yet, and the potential for Modric to combine with Alonso, Ozil, Ronaldo and others is mouthwatering.

As part of the move for Modric, Real Madrid and Tottenham have signed a partnership agreement, which will see the two clubs work together in respect of players, coaching, best practices and commercial relationships.

Madrid President Florentino Perez Rodriguez said: “We are delighted to welcome Luka and look forward to working closely with Tottenham in the coming years.”

Exactly what will come of this relationship is uncertain, but it goes some way to explain why the transfer saga has dragged on for so long.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is a shrewd negotiator, and will be pleased with the price his club receive for their wantaway star as well as clinching a working partnership with one of the biggest outfits in world football.

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