Luka Modric

Does this gezza fit the bill? I think so. From The Times.....

Tottenham out to get creative with move for playmaker Luka Modric

Tottenham Hotspur have held discussions with Dynamo Zagreb about the possibility of signing Luka Modric. Officials from the North London club met their Croatian counterparts on Tuesday in an effort to steal a march on other Barclays Premier League sides chasing the signature of the Croatia midfield player.

Juande Ramos, the Tottenham head coach, was unable to persuade Tiago, the Portugal and former Chelsea holding midfield player, to join the club in January from Juventus. He has since come to the conclusion that he needs a more creative player in the centre of midfield and that is now one of his primary ambitions for this summer's transfer window.

Zdravko Mamic, the Zagreb president, has priced Modric at about £18million and has spoken to several other English clubs, including Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle United. Modric, 22, was instrumental in helping his country to beat England 3-2 in the crucial European Championship qualifying match at Wembley in November, a defeat that led to Steve McClaren's departure as England head coach. Modric's vision and passing have earned praise from many observers and he can play on the left side of midfield or as a playmaker behind the forwards.

Ramos's priority is to sign at least one goalkeeper, two defenders, a midfield player and a forward. Carlos Kameni is one of the leading contenders among the goalkeepers that remain under consideration. The Espanyol player can be bought for €6million (about £4.7million), but a potential deal has become considerably more expensive in recent months because the pound has fallen almost 9 per cent in value against the euro on currency exchange markets this year.

Ramos has shown interest in Diego López, the Villarreal goalkeeper, who came through the Real Madrid youth system and was the second choice behind Iker Casillas at the Bernabéu for two seasons. The 26-year-old has since established himself at Villarreal, where he has three years left on his contract, which includes a release clause of about £27 million.

Marco Amelia, the Livorno goalkeeper who was in Italy's World Cup squad in 2006, has claimed that Tottenham were close to signing him in January. He attracted interest from Manchester City last summer. Tottenham have watched Maarten Stekelenburg, but have doubts about the Ajax goalkeeper.

Tottenham could also need a second-choice goalkeeper, with Radek Cerny expected to leave at the end of the season, but Ben Alnwick may be promoted. Alnwick has yet to play for Tottenham, but has been on loan at Luton Town, of Coca-Cola League One, and Leicester City, of the Championship, this season.

Eric Me thinks so

He's a great playmaker, but he is a bit small. I wonder how he'd do in a central midfield two in the PL, rather than a three in the middle as Liverpool and Chelski sometimes play.

However, if they're asking 18m, I don't think we'll buy him and I think Chelski want him so will pay more wages etc to get him.

Guardian also reporting that we're after Robinho from Real Madrid.

never heard of the c*nt

Janek wrote:

He's a great playmaker, but he is a bit small. I wonder how he'd do in a central midfield two in the PL, rather than a three in the middle as Liverpool and Chelski sometimes play.

Agree ya

Daniel wrote:

never heard of the c*nt

You would have if you have played Football Manager 2007 or 08 - he is a bargain buy

Daniel wrote:

never heard of the c*nt

it may hurt you

watch again England 2-3 Croatia in Wembley

Normally a skinny player find more difficult to play in a bad weather day and poor condition but this kid was just sensational in tht match

Not only in that match. He's been sensational throughout the qualifying tournament.

Spurs ahead of Chelsea for Modric
tribalfootball.com - April 17, 2008

Tottenham have made a bold move for Dinamo Zagreb midfield ace Luka Modric.
El Mundo Deportivo says Chelsea were regarded as favourites for the Croatia international until two days ago when Spurs made an aggressive move for the midfielder.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger also remains keen, having attempted to secure Modric during negotiations last summer for ex-Dinamo striker Eduardo da Silva.
Dinamo chiefs have no preference and are ready to sell to the highest bidder in the summer.



... I never heard of him before. Is he any good then?

Yes. One of the main reasons why Croatia won their Euro 2008 group and have been one of the better sides in Europe for the last few years. Watch him go at Euro 2008. Quality.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2008/04/24/sfnnew124.xml

shit...on verge of move to newcastle!

Luka Modric

Position: Midfielder
Born: 09.09.85

Just 22, the youngster started his professional career with Zrinjski Mostar and was named their Player of the Year at the age of just 18 before moving on to bigger things with Dinamo Zagreb.

All the while, the Croatian national selectors have had their eye on Modric, who has played for his country all the way up from Under-15 level.

The hugely talented young man made his debut for Croatia in place of the injured Robert Kovac against Argentina and drew admiring glances from many observers, with his efforts seeing him hailed as Croatia's best player on the night.

Strong in the tackle but also a good ball player, Modric is one of the world's most talented youngsters. He lacks the profile of a Wayne Rooney or a Lionel Messi, but many people think he has the ability to be ranked with the duo.




Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.

Here's hoping Modric NEVER attains the kind of profile Rooney has got. He's a horrible, dirty, promiscuous, aggressive, scouse pikey. It's a very sad day if any young footballer tries to model themselves on Rooney.

I don't believe Modric is or can ever be as good as Messi. They are in fact very similar players in style and position. But Messi has got a huge headstart on Modric and has been guided by the likes of Goofy at Barce. Messi is the dogs borrox. If Modric can get to near his level then he and Spurs could achieve great things.

I am soooooo looking forward to seeing Modric in action at the Euros and of course for us come August.

If this is any sign of the football played at WHL, then roll on '08 / 09...

http://harryhotspur.blogspot.com/2008/05/spurs-have-bought-21st-century-cruff.html