Modric

Niko Kranjcar is expected to continue on the left of midfield in place of Bale, while central midfielder Modric is short of match fitness.

BBC News - Home 2011

Would someone such as Modric, had he been English, progressed through our youth development systems?

TEAMtalk Football News 2010

Harry Redknapp has declared victory in the battle for the services of Luka Modric, insisting the Croatian will stay at Tottenham Hotspur despite being courted by Chelsea and will start Sunday's Premier League home match against Manchester City.

Luka Modric will stay at Tottenham, says defiant Harry Redknapp 2011

The Portuguese has said he will try to strengthen before the transfer window closes next month with a third, improved offer for Modric in excess of £30m to be lodged - Tottenham Hotspur have already rejected bids worth £22m and £27m - and talks on-going with Anderlecht over Lukaku.

Chelsea unconcerned by Manchester United spending, says Frank Lampard 2011

Modric was again left out of the Tottenham team for Thursday night's Europa League play-off game with Hearts – in which the 0-0 second leg draw saw Spurs progress to the group stage with a 5-0 aggregate score – but Redknapp said that was merely because he was not yet fully fit and claimed that the player has not agitated for a move away.

Luka Modric will stay at Tottenham, says defiant Harry Redknapp 2011

Redknapp recognised that it would be hard for Modric to deal with missing out on a move to Chelsea.

Chelsea to up Alvaro Pereira offer amid Florent Malouda speculation 2011

Villas-Boas has described him as "one of the best goalkeepers for the future" but, while there will be other additions before the end of August – the tantalising pursuits of Luka Modric and Romelu Lukaku are continuing – the unnerving sense persists that the other contenders have stolen a march.

André Villas-Boas is in no rush to run the rule over Chelsea squad 2011

While Chelsea have as yet been frustrated in their pursuit of Luka Modric, Romelu Lukaku and even Scott Parker, United have spent heavily on Ashley Young, David de Gea and Phil Jones.

Chelsea unconcerned by Manchester United spending, says Frank Lampard 2011

Zuma Press Tottenham's Luka Modric, left, complains to referee Mark Clattenburg as Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale look on after Manchester United's second goal scored by Nani on what looked like a dead play.

When Refs Get Too Smart Gabriele Marcotti 2010

Yet Chelsea still aspire to securing Luka Modric from Tottenham Hotspur before next week's deadline despite Spurs' position appearing increasingly entrenched on a player who has five years to run on his contract at White Hart Lane.

Chelsea to up Alvaro Pereira offer amid Florent Malouda speculation 2011