Modric saga nears a conclusion

Tottenham have confirmed that they have reached an agreement with Real Madrid over the sale over Luka Modric to the Spanish giants.

Spurs have driven a hard bargain to grant the Croatian's wish to leave White Hart Lane, with a deal between the two clubs reportedly only concluded late on Sunday night.
Chairman Daniel Levy was desperate to keep hold of Modric, but after blocking Chelsea's attempts to sign him last summer, he knew it was perhaps inevitable this time that the playmaker would go.
Levy has therefore been working overtime to secure the best possible deal for his club, and judging by the statement put out by Spurs that is exactly what he has done.
A figure of £33m is thought to have been agreed for Modric, who scored 17 goals in 160 appearances for the north Londoners, with £27m being paid up front and further £6m tied up with various add-ons.
Spurs will also benefit from a partnership agreement with Real, with the two clubs set to work together in respect of players, coaching, best practices and commercial relationships.
Levy said: "Luka has been a terrific player for us.
"Whilst we preferred not to part with him, we are pleased it is to Real Madrid, a club with which we now look forward to sharing a long and productive partnership."
Modric is now heading to Spain to finalise personal terms and to undergo his medical, while Real president Florentino Perez has welcomed the official link-up with the Premier League outfit.
He said: "The strong relationship and affinity between our two clubs has resulted in the cementing of a longer-term partnership and the successful transfer of Luka Modric.
'We are delighted to welcome Luka and look forward to working closely with Tottenham in the coming years."