Modric in line for pay rise

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is adamant his club can't afford to sell Luka Modric if they want to keep challenging for silverware.

Redknapp can't speak highly enough of the Croatian international, who was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea for most of last summer. However, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy stood firm despite three size-able bids from the Blues, and Redknapp is hoping he will take a similar stance this time if any potential suitors come calling. The former Portsmouth boss indicated last week his fears about the losing the creative midfielder in the face of supposed interest from the two Manchester clubs, but now he has reiterated his desire to hang onto the player who is contracted to the club until 2016. Redknapp claims talks are underway with Modric's representatives to try and give him a pay rise to kill off the speculation once and for all. He told reporters: "I don't know where he is at on the contract. "He knows what I think of him. He is a great pro. You can't replace him with someone as good. We can't sell him. "Once you start selling your best players you are finished. He is up there with the top players in world football. You need people like him. You need good pros and good characters."