Luka Modric
Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric is facing disciplinary actions Reuters

Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas has criticised midfielder Luka Modric and admitted that both he and club chairman Daniel Levy are disappointed with the player's behaviour. It is understood the Croatian has refused to travel with the rest of the Spurs squad on their pre-season tour of the US, in an attempt to force a move away from White Hart Lane.

"I think Modric is wrong. This will go against him. He has worsened the situation with what he's doing and now the chairman is very angry. This is also not a good time for Daniel Levy, who is in the USA at the moment, because his wife is ill," ESPN quoted Villas-Boas as saying. The former Chelsea boss said he rated Modric highly and confirmed he tried to sign the player for the Blues last year.

"He's good, very good. I tried to sign him last summer for Chelsea. He will be a big loss. He's a player who can make the difference, who gives a lot of clarity to the play when the team needs it and who can play in several positions," the Portuguese tactician explained.

In response to his actions, Tottenham have decided to fine Modric £15,000 for every day he refuses to report for first team duty, the Daily Mirror indicates. The report also adds that the 26 year old, who is believed to be keen on a move to Spanish champions Real Madrid, left club officials waiting at Heathrow (to travel to Los Angeles, on Saturday, to begin the pre-season tour) waiting till the very last moment.

"It is in a difficult situation. The president is angry, but he is also very upset with what is happening. I think everything will be fixed in three or four days," the report quoted Modric's teammate Rafael van der Vaart as saying.

The La Liga champions are ready to offer £27m for the Croatia international but Levy is holding out for a fee of around £40mn. Villas-Boas is understood to be resigned to losing Modric and will look to rebuild Spurs as the club starts its pre-season preparations ahead of the Premier League opener against Newcastle United on 18 August.

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