The Daily Express claims the Blues are preparing a bid for Croatia international Luka Modric and could be set to move in pole position in the race for the 26-year-old.
Real Madrid have been chosen as favourites to secure Modric’s signature but the Express claims that the Spanish champions are only able to pay £20million. Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is believed to have put a valuation on Modric of 50million euro (£40million).
If Chelsea do go ahead with their £36million bid – if true – then it would put them close to Levy’s ‘ball park’ figure for the 26-year-old and it comes after the Blues had bids of £22million and £25million rejected by Spurs last summer. Harry Redknapp claimed on transfer deadline day at the end of last August that there had been a third bid from Stamford Bridge of £35million.
Levy stood firm but Spurs find themselves in a situation where they may have to sell before they can buy following their failure to qualify for the Champions League.
Gareth Bale has pledged his future to the club and that leaves Modric as their main saleable asset.
Earlier this month, Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic said he welcome a move to Stamford Bridge for Modric: “He has exceptional quality, and moving to a bigger club is necessary for him to take the next step in his career,” he said. “He should come to Chelsea – it won’t be a mistake”
