Spurs Will Not Sell Modric Cheap: AVB

Tottenham Hotspur boss Andre Villas-Boas has warned clubs interested in signing Croatian playmaker Luka Modric they will have to pay full asking price for the central midfielder, if they wish to sign him on for the new season. Modric has been linked to a number of clubs this summer, including Spanish champions Real Madrid. The 26 year old midfielder, whose future has been widely speculated on for some time now, was, ironically, a priority target for Villas-Boas last season, when he was in charge at Chelsea.

However, since his appointment to White Hart Lane, AVB has been trying very hard to convince Modric to stay and, simultaneously, make it as hard as possible for other clubs, including Madrid, to sign the player. The Guardian suggests AVB will settle for nothing less than £35mn for the 26 year old playmaker.

"There has been continuous interest from three different clubs. But it's important for Tottenham to hold onto their rights. His situation will continue as it is until the price is right. It's important to understand his feelings. We have been speaking and I understand his point and he understands the club's point. Luka is an intelligent person and understands the club has to defend his value their values, rights and interests," AVB was quoted as saying by an ESPN report.

"It's a difficult situation for the club but we have been co-operative by openly saying we are willing to listen to offers. But the offer has not been met to what the chairman wants. If that is met, there won't be any problems," he added, The Sun said.

Modric, who is contracted to the club till 2016, is believed to want a move away because the club is not playing in the Champions League this season and given the situation is the same, with regard to competition in Europe's elite tournament, as it was last season, it is likely Modric will make a move away from White Hart Lane this season.

Meanwhile, speculation surrounding a move for FC Porto's Brazilian forward Hulk has been dismissed by AVB. The pair were spotted together at a London hotel on Tuesday and it was thought AVB would use his connection from his time as manager of Porto to convince Hulk to come onboard.

"Hulk is a very special player for me as we achieved a very good year at Porto - but we were just talking," said Villas Boas, according to a Telegraph report.