Modric countdown

There are three weeks to go before the end of the transfer market which closes at midnight on 31st August. Luka Modric, while there is no news to the contrary, continues as part of the Tottenham regime although he is neither present nor expected to be present at White Hart Lane.

While Modric was training alone in London in the morning, his current team touched down in Valencia in the afternoon.

The Croat believes that the longest summer of his career is coming to an end and has absolute faith that he will be wearing a white shirt at the Bernabéu. Modric has done everything he can to make this a reality and convince Tottenham to sit down and negotiate with Madrid.

In the Tottenham and Real Madrid offices everyone is keeping their cards close to their chests and playing it cool but the clock is ticking for their respective football directors – Villas-Boas and José Mourinho .

The deal seems to have completely stalled and drawn to a halt. Madrid will not go above the €35 million plus performance-related add-ons and Tottenham wants at least €45 million. Over the last few days there has not even been any direct contact between the clubs as the offices of the Bernabéu and White Hart Lane both know perfectly well what the other party wants and neither seems prepared to give way. At least, not yet.